Friern Barnet and Finchley Photo Archive

It was such a lovely School

This picture brings back so many memories

Great school, great mates and good teachers though we did not always appreciate them at the time. 1958 to 1963

Attended 1954-59
Wonderful memories. Won the 80yds hurdles running along a track on the grass in front of the school building. I remember Jeff Travis was second.

I attended this school from Sep 1961 to Dec 1965 and have a copy of this postcard dated 1958 which l belive was when it first opened.

Hillside opened its doors in 1956, and I was there from from 1960 - 1964. If you walk past the school now, you will see that the playing fields have gone and have been built on either by a housing estate or extra school buildings.

Looking back this was the worst school that you could ever attend and a testament to all that was wrong and still wrong with our educational system. I remember being knocked out by a PT teacher and having blackboard rubbers thrown by a Maths teacher breaking children's noses. The lower streams were consigned to the dustbin. I also remember mass fights at the gate with other local schools, this all happened without any intervention from teachers, who had no training whatsoever, many recruited from the armed services after the war. The career teachers advice to all the boys in our class was to get a job at the local wood yard.

I attended Hillside 1960 to 65 still live local and vist the council tip adjacent to the school, although I left with 2 RSAs due to me, not the school. Looking back it was a good school which gave me a good basic education, went on the be a chartered engineer.

Attended from 58-62, was in Frobeshire house. Mr Stack was evil Maths teacher. Mr Moore the PE teacher. I was good at sport. Mr Branker was the music teacher. Mr Woolley was head teacher.

It was Mr Moore who was an abuser and Stack who broke children's noses - what a good school that was

Remember Stack but that was balanced out by Sanders English, Pierce PE and Evans Chemistry, Guy Science yes remember the bundles well interesting trying to get the full length of Summers Lane at times

I totally disagree with David Furness comments, yes Mr Moore did give us the slipper for bad behaved but don't forget that the deputy head Mr Weeded also used the cane. But that was normal in the early 60’s. Nobody ever got their nose broken. There were some bad children including those who were in real trouble with the police and were often away on remand. If you took the opertunity that was offered then it was a good school, perhaps Mr Furness did not take this opertunity. A number of people did. One from my class became head of the Royall Mail for south west England, I became a chartered civil engineer

Hi just seen this post. I was at Hillside and remember those teachers, especially Mr Branker who we referred to as Acka Branker and his Paramount W***ers. It was good fun and enjoyable we went from Pat Boone to the Rolling Stones within a few years. Remember Mr Green Chemistry Miss/Mrs Mould Biology and then Miss Komodromou also Biology. Yes it was rough but you soon learnt how to get by. I went from 1959 to 1966 and I remember Peter Coles and also Martin Turner the head post master

I attended from Sept 61 to Dec 1965 and hated every day. It was a total waste of time, the teachers were disinterested and unable to maintain control in the classroom. The curriculum was designed to fit us for the jobs they expected us to do e.g menial, unskilled and dead-end. As a girl in the B stream it was double domestic science, double needlework, double games, P.E and Art. A woman came in with a baby doll to teach the C stream girls how to bath it and change a nappy. There was no career advice, no opportunity to sit exams unless you were in the A stream, l only remember 2 girls being in the A class they were expected to go on to teacher training or nursing the rest of us were expected to mark time until we married and became housewives and mothers.

I went to evening glasses to get GCSEs and "A" levels before going to university as a mature student. However If only l had had a decent basic education l could have got there a lot sooner and taken my career to a higher level.

Hello Peter, I like Carole were offered very little in the way of opportunities. My career advice was to work at the local wood yard. I had to attend evening classes and went on in later life to gain a degree and a very successful career in the police force and the Home Office. My regret is that this school did not attempt to help the majority of pupils reach their potential and that is a terrible indictment

Remember times were different, discipline was the order of the day. I too obtained a degree as a mature student and went on to a very successful career in Engineering and Senior management. Did Hillside give me standards? Yes I believe it did

I will not go any further on this debate other than to say it would appear that many of us went on and made a success of our lives. We were lucky, the majority did not. I cannot recall any student in my year that went directly to university. There was such a lack of ambition and motivation at this school. It failed so many and left scars on others lives. Times may be different but it does not make them right.

My last comments on this subject, looks like we all have different memories of Hillside. This was a secondary school for those that failed the 11 plus and therefore assessed as not academically bright. During my time 1960 to 1965 out of 6 classes in my year, I took O levels, one took RSa's and the other 4 classes did not take any exams at all. We all left at either 15 or 16years. a small number from the top class did transfer to Woodhouse to do A levels so nobody could go to university direct. At most people left school at 16, including those that went to a grammar school, only about 10 percent went to university. With regard to the comment that the majority did not make a success of our lives, who knows that?. I am still in touch with 2 of my class mates, they did not proceed with any further education after Hillside but made very successful lives. Further education does not necessary equate to a successful life. My Last contribution. Over and out

Hillside was great for the lovely girls Linda Bronze, Vicky Irrington and the gorgeous Tine Pearce...,, where are they now ? 1968 was a great year ..., Mr Saxton Art teacher really great guy and influenced me a lot... fond memories

Does anyone remember me Joe Wallace, fastest 100 yards sprinter in every year from 1965 to 1969 and the first ‘hippie’ at Hillside..., fond memories indeed

I was in Hillside early 60's we had classes with no space 35 to a class every Wednesday we had to make our way to another school which was empty as there was no room at Hillside we were never offered the opportunity to take any exams just heaved out at 16

The other school was Northside. I remember Empire day when we hoisted Swastika flag on flagpole. There was uproar. Purchased from a junk shop near Whetstone I think. We weren’t snowflakes then.

I remember you Joe and your athletic triumphs. Cannot remember the girls you mentioned tho. I was in Mr Wrights class and later in.
Ms Frobishers.

I agree with the comments about B streamers and the careers info was useless, mainly consisted of outdated leaflets. i was there 67 to 72 and was glad to leave

I have to agree with David Tyler. The education and discipline gave us a firm start into our careers and future life. Loved all the teachers he mentioned. Also Mrs.Croyle and Mr Jobson and of course the headmaster and Mrs Theodosin.

1961-65 1B1. I have positive memories of Mr ("use voice projection laddie") Saunders, Mr basketball (being in the school team was great) Jobson, the gorgeous Mrs Cox pottery I think, not so of Mr (beating a boy with a slipper till he screamed & cried in pain) Pierce, the so boring ("Be quiet") welsh history master, Mr Dagle music & RI, Mr (mortar board & gown head) Wooley. Ah yes it's all flooding back. Was it really 54 years ago?

Does anyone remember the school heartthrob Bob Newman?

Robert certainly had the looks. Mr Wooley was a good headmaster and Mrs Theodosin head female teacher. A bit of discipline never hurt

A Robert Newman was in my Northside primary school class I don't recall him at Hillside. Oooh seems you have still a soft spot for him.

I attended Hillside in the early sixties. I didn’t like school at all so played truant either at Friary Park or Highgate cemetery where the truant officers didn’t think to look. I loved the friends I met at school and my lack of education never affected my future Jean Harrington (now Bone)

I remember attending Hillside School from 1960-6. I also remember many of the teachers and pupils names that have been mentioned. I can't say that I enjoyed my time at Hillside. It was OK if your ambition in life was to become a boxer as everyday I seemed to be involved in some sort of fight or confrontation. Despite all that, my life progressed well and I was fortunate enough to be be able to take early retirement and have had many good years in my later life.

Anybody remember Caleb Quaye, he was in my class and we were friends. At school he was musically talented and has gone far, knows & has collaborated with numerous names. Met & teamed up with Reg Dwight while producing at Dick James music.

Hi Geoffrey: Got this through Google: 'He now serves at The Church On The Way, Van Nuys CA.' There are loads of interviews, and info on the web. He appears to be on Facebook, (I'm not), but I'm sure he'd be delighted to hear from you. Met him over 40 years ago when I was working at the Beeb and he came to a live recording. He hadn't left the business at that time. (Helen, Liquorice legs!)

Hi Geoffrey, my brother Terry was good friends with Caleb.. he used to come to our house and taught me the basics on guitar!! I remember he had a group called Hookfoot and later went on to be a session musician. He played on a few of Elton’s albums and eventually settled in the US to become a priest ... you can search for him on YouTube where there is an interview of him on a radio station. I am Joe Wallace and attended Hillside from 1964 to 1969 - great memories

Hi everyone, I remember Caleb from Brooklands Rise junior school where we somehow called each other "Egg and Chips". Years later I saw him on the cover of Yellow Brick Road. Joe I was good friends with your brother Terry who I remember as a good footballer and Cricketer. Gone but not forgotten

That's interesting Terry. Helen I remember overhearing you & Caleb standing by the piano in the assembly hall. You were discussing piano playing. You said what level are you, he replied "8" without sounding boastful, you said "your higher than me" not sounding too disappointed! I remember Caleb & the Soundcasters doing a school concert. John Green rhythm guitar, Peter Rust drums, I can't remember the name of the bass guitar player, although I did know him. I seemed to recall being disappointed that, on leaving year a group photo wasn't taken. Or did I just miss out? Stay well at this trying time.

Does anyone remember Steve Ellis? He went on to form the band The Love Affair with a hit song “ Everlasting Love”

Geoffrey - was your bassist Robin Washington? Called 'Sparks' for some reason.

Hi Bruce, really nice to hear that you knew Ju my brother Terry, you obviously know that Terry sadly passed away suddenly in 2002 at 53, yes he was a good footballer and supported Spurs!! Thank you for your comments, did Steve Ellis attend Hillside ? can’t say I remember him Juliette

Could the bass player be Peter Barkle?

Hi Bruce, I was so pleased to learn that you were good friends with my brother Terry, who sadly passed away in 2002 at only 53..,, he always looked out for me at school which occasionally could be a bit rough, but I’m happy to say that despite all the adverse comments, I went on to become a successful businessman in the fashion industry along with many others from Hillside, sadly though I can’t remember you !! Did Steve Ellis from the Love Affair attend !!

Hi Jo Please excuse my dumb mistake. I'm sorry to hear that Terry passed away so young. Robin Washington had an interest in electronics Helen

Hi again Joe,I think you'd be a few years younger than me. I used to hang around with Max Papier and Alan "Taffy" Tinson. Terry was a prefect and there is a year photo knocking about with us all on it. But the person who knows a lot about your brother and I don't know if you've been in contact with him is Raymond Christodolou. You can find him on facebook.

Hi again again Joe, Just found a picture on Raymond's facebook page of Terry

Thank you Bruce very kind of you to look up Raymond who, I know but sadly haven’t communicated with him for some years, perhaps during this dreadful crisis it’s time to get reacquainted. Terry was four years older than me so I don’t remember any of his class mates except, one guy who had a big fight with him on the football pitch... inevitably they became the best of friends and one day this person helped me out when I was set upon by Sidney Clark on the way out of school, was that you ?

Hi Joe, Without doubt that was not me. I can assure you that on the first sign of a "bundle" or "cat-fight" I ran the in the opposite direction very quickly.

I was there from 68 -72 I don't remember any trouble but then I was being bullied because of my religion I was Jewish

Geffory Clark the other member of The Soundcasters was Mick Glass, his dad was a coalman I believe. I went to Hillside 60-65 and I liked Mr Stack, Mr Saunders, Mr Southwell, didn’t get the slipper from Mr Piece or Mr Moore, but got caned a few times from Mr Woolley, once when I got the cane from him he gave me a sixpence tip later that day when I delivered his groceries. Mr Trott was my last form teacher and after I left school I saw him in The Griffin and he told me I could have done better in school if I didn’t muck around so much. I also remember You Helen Suber.

Hi Chris. Yes, not only do we remember each other from Hillside, but also when I worked at the Manorhill Centre, you brought your son, Lawrence to football training. Heck, even that was nearly thirty years ago! (Helen nee Souber)

Yes Steve Ellis sat beside me in class. I think it was about 1963. Who knew Wojec our strutting senior?

You have a good memory Helen, obviously better than mine as I spelt your maiden name wrong, and yes it was nearly 30 years ago when my son went for football practice there. Hope your keeping well, living in Potters Bar these days.

I joined Hillside in Sept '56--yes 56! We went to a very ancient old school building somewhere along the High Street till Xmas and moved into the new building in Jan 57. Mr Wooley, in his gown, was headmaster, Mr Moore a nasty & cruel PE teacher, Mr Trott for geography with his handkerchiefs stuffed up the cuffs of his jacket; can't remember any other teachers. Who I DO remember in my A stream class are Dave Toplis, a very pretty Judith Oppelt, two Margarets one of whom parents ran a greengrocers stall in the High St, a beautiful Christine Pitt who I like to think as my first girlfriend,(I took her to the cinema and paid her ticket of one & six (!!),and an absolutely stunning blonde girl way out of the league of any of us boys who for some reason a few years later was in the National Press. I think she may have had a hairdressers/beauty saloon in Bishops Stortford in the 80/90's--the devil I can't remember her name! Tis 64 years ago!! Hoping to hear from anyone from my era.

Sad news for pupils 1A1 to 5xr 1958-63. Mario Brocchi the gentle itlalian passed away yesterday. Many of you might have known his wife Penny O'Sullivan a year behind Mario. A real nice guy that was liked by everyone who knew him. RIP

It has been great for me to read about those amazing days (good & bad!) at Hillside and all those teachers. I ended up in 1963 as Head Boy. Does anyone remember that year?

Does anyone remember my brother Ray Bill started Hillside 1954. Any comments would be great

Was at Hillside from 1959 to 1964 (1A-4A ). Remember quite a few names from my time there, more girls than boys, but I'm sure Bruce Rosengarten was in my class. My husband was in the year above me, 4XG. His form teacher was Mr. Southwell.

Well well well yes I do remember Leigh Bowman you had blond hair and I used to walk to North Finchley. If I'm not mistaken you either had a boyfreind whose name was Peter Baker or perhaps Lee Baker. What's your husband's first name?

What is the first name of your husband Leigh. I think I remember Mr Southwell I believe he ran the basketball team.

Maybe not Mr Southwell who ran basketball I now think it was Mr Jobson

I was at Hillside from 1960 to 1965 started in 1B and through the streams to whatever the form number was leading into RSA exams in 65. Remember Chris Proud he was a good footballer always seemed to play in goal and get covered in mud from head to toe. Also fondly remember Helen Sauber, the first girl I kissed, at a Christmas Party December 1963 at Tony Bent's home

I remember Leigh used to walk with you to Tally-ho corner. I remember Mr. Southwell especially as I liked history. Mr Southwell had the habit of wearing a jumper underneath his jacket and his tie outside the jumper.

Oh dear, Dave Anderson - what a thing to remember. May I suggest for any of you who are interested, I posted a class photo on here a few years ago. If you go to the section under schools, 11086 is the picture I put up. Some of you might have seen it, and if you could identify yourselves, it might help our 70 plus year old minds, before they go completely! Yes, we are all 70 plus, frightening, eh? (Helen Hooper, nee Souber)

Good to hear you are still in the land of the living Helen, you are easy to identify from that picture that you suggested, however I was in a different form number 1B at that time

I remember Tony Bent he was really good at sports especially boxing. Does anyone know what he's been doing? Also does anyone have a school photo of the prefects with Mr Woolley and Mr Weadon. It was on the friends united site but I can't find it. I think it was taken in 1965 or thereabouts.

I remember Peter Storey.

Does anyone remember Helmut, was great friends with Joe Wallace in 1967/68 approx or George Jacovou same era ?

So many names that I remember, where has the time gone 60 years approx just flown by. Names not mentioned Steve Mills, Dave Schad, Dave Bryant, Ann Chacksfield, & Barbara Holmes. Tony Bent was one of my best mates at school he loved his sports boxing, football, cricket. Sorry to say lost touch with him when I left school. I remember David Anderson from primary and secondary school and times at Grange Avenue. Hillside teachers memories and nightmares include Stack, Trott, Jobson, Pearce, and dear old Mr James. Shame to say i have no photos just memories.

Peter Storey was in my class from 1964 to 1969, we had the dreadful Mrs. Booker as form mistress for the first 2 years and then Michael Jones until the 5th year. I’m still in touch with Peter Suckling who was also in our class. Seems such a long time ago.

By chance I met Tony at the top of Woodside Lane shortly after leaving. He said he was going into the army.

I left this school in 1972 and remember Mr Trott and PE Teacher Mr Pearce along with my school colleagues Steven Ship, Geoff Worsley and many others. Long time ago now.

Hi I was there from 64 to 68 and remember Mr Troop the woodworking teacher who didn't visit the barbers very often. I also remember Helmut.

Hi Fred Harvey did you have a sister Lyn Harvey I remember a Lyn being at Hillside in my time there.

I attended in 1957 in class 1A, Mr Stack form teacher. I remember Susan Graff, and twins, Gaumme, scuse spelling, can’t remember the first names. Left before the end of my first year, but never forgot the school

Following my previous entry on May 2020 for these pages amazingly I have discovered newspaper cuttings from August 1962 in some old paperwork in regard to the "unknown" stunning beauty us boys in our class could only dribble over! Her name was Susan Eaton. In that year, aged 18, she won the Miss Britain title but within two weeks gave it up. The reasons quoted are that she didn't like the constant demand to show off her body to complete strangers, and the Press twisting her strong beliefs against the H-Bomb which would make it impossible for her to compete in the Miss World contest. She quickly ran away to Germany working as a cleaner in the equivalent of what we called a Borstal. Claiming she was being watched by the Police because she might be a Communist after two weeks she returned home to Grange Avenue. What DID she end up doing intrigues me.....The hairdresser's I saw with the same name in Bishops Stortford?

i left in 1961

I was Head of the Science Department in 1960. After that I taught in Rome, Vanuatu, Durban, Darwin. I now live in Brisbane and am 89 years old

is the sewerage works still there

Does anyone remember Christina Alcock ? Pupil from 1956, would be nice to find some old school friends. I'm her daughter

I stumbled on this site looking for a teacher's name. I was at Hillside from 64-71 leaving with almost no qualifications, no guidance or support. I was a lazy pupil, but not stupid. I've had a successful career in computers and my own businesses and am now about to retire. Not so happy days at Hillside due to bullying, but I met my wife there, so it wasn't all bad! David Stafford & Daya Chandhok.

I also came across this site as I tried to remember my music teacher's name. I was Valerie West and was at Hillside from 62 to 68. My year group/classmates were Janice Kane, Carole Hale, and you Wendy Beetlestone!!, Gaynor Ashby, Lorna Burns, Laura ? among the girls. Boys: Keith Greenwood, Peter Green, Peter Fine ...and now memory fails me for other names. For me Hillside was OK and I enjoyed the social side. I was quite motivated until the 4th year when I discovered 'boys'!! However, I went on to do A levels at Finchley County and became a primary school teacher.
I am still in contact with Jan Kane (now Osbourne).I great to see some of those names from the past drifting back - I will now try to locate the old Hillside school magazine that is buried up in the loft and do a bit of idle reminiscence!
Looking back, the teachers were quite a motley lot & I agree that some were from a generation of
ex-servicemen and may have found the secondary school system and our generation of teenagers challenging. I remember the explosive 'melt downs'of science teacher Mr. Guy, when he couldn't 'encourage' us to have a class chat with him at the end of a lesson !! He went purple in the face as he invited us to return to our gutters on the strings of our mother's aprons! Gulp!But the newer generation of teachers were much nicer - Miss Croyle, Miss Mould etc and they didn't put the fear of God into me!! So many memories.

Was the Music teacher either Mr Branker or Mr Dagel? I remember Miss Mould and trying to understand Biology

Yes it was Mr Branker for music I also remember Evans, Toop Boyle, Sanders, Stack and Perice as teachers

Mr. Branker AND Harvey Dagul were music teachers between 1960 and 1964 when I was there Mr. Dagul was actually a renowned concert pianist who, with his wife, Isabel Beyer, performed at venues on the South Bank. (He was also my piano teacher for a number of years - I was taught, but can't play!)

Hey Val Frey nee West. I've been searching everywhere to locate you. Amazing to read you memories here. Tried searching FB. Love to make contact. Wendy

Great I found this site , Chris Proud told me about it. I was at Hillside from 1960 to 1964. I played in a school band called the Sound Casters with John Green, Peter Rust, and Caleb Quaye. I lived for music but not for the education which was rubbish being in the lower form you were neglected great to read peoples memories

Well, Miss Beetlestone, as was, yes! I'd love to make contact. I do not do FB - but I'm guessing you do, so could I contact you on FB?

Val. Yes of course. If you have trouble I'm good friends with Stuart Freestone you could message via him on FB if you can't get me. I'll let him know. Great. Wait to be able to chat direct

Hi Val. I don’t do Facebook. I can’t place your name, and many others on this site, we obviously were in different years, you probably know me from the school band. You can contact me via this site, if it’s allowed. Mike.

Mike. Val was replying to me. We were mid 1960s class.

Sorry confusion. I was there 1960-1964, probably missed you.

Hope you are all in good health

Hi Tony, how are you doing? Loads of us have wondered how you’ve been, it’s great to see your name pop up, I hope you’re doing well.

Oh what a lovely surprise. So good to see your name, Tony (and you again Chris!) Goodness, it's so hard to believe that we're all nearing our mid-70s now. Hope all is well with classes 1A1, 2B etc - my old classmates.

PUPIL 1956 TO 1959. WAS IN CLASS 1A. TOP OF THE YEAR STREAM. REMEMBER CAROL WILSON VERY PRETTY AND CHRISTINE PITT AND MARGARET TYLER FROM NORTHSIDE. DAVID JASON WENT TO NORTHSIDE. CHARLIE INTER SCIENCE PETE SOUTHWELL - HSTORY - SAUNDERS ENGLISH. STACK ? MR. WOOLLEY, HEADMASTER. HILLSIDE NEW SCHOOL TRANSFERRED FROM NORTHSIDE. DEREK CYRIL STYMAN (HEAD bOY) NOW DECEASED. DEREK DICKENS - VERY CLEVER GOOD AT SPORTS.MRS BAILEY SEWING TEACHER.

Good to hear from you, Chris and Helen. I hope you are in good health. Yes I did join the army, apprentices college involving further education, bookkeeping, sports, travel etc. I damaged my knee and that was really the end of my sporting ambitions. When I left the army I became a company wages and salaries manager, then took a teaching qualification at college. I spent many years in the education profession. I do remember the names of many teachers and pupils and also some interesting times.
Well that's all for now, take care and best wishes

Dear Tony - we all thought you'd be a boxing champion. My career was not helped by my education at Hillside. Parents took me out and enrolled me at Pitmans College which was on the High Road in North Finchley. Secretarial work followed and that included being a Radio Production secretary at BBC Radios 1 then 2. That was the last time I saw Caleb Quaye - at a live Saturday morning broadcast of Country Meets Folk when he was in the audience and saw me through the glass in the back studio! As ever, good luck to all the old class mates AND all those who can pass on their back stories of this school. The site now houses COMPTON SCHOOL and if you haven't see it, it's just as you remember. Land built on, extra buildings for the school and a completely new estate where the garden nurseries used to be.

Peace and harmony to you all

Hi Tony it's Bruce I used to hang around with Max Papier and Alan Tinson. I think we had a laugh in Miss Moulds class. Good that you're ok. Take care

Have a great Christmas Tony, any chance of a meet up in the new year?

Hi Bruce and Chris and....Yes I remember we had a few parties at Max.P. Also a holiday to Austria, in 63; I think. I do remember some of the times we all had, with fondness.I remember the kindness of some staff and pupils. A meet-up in the new year- would be great. Any information on John Lane... With very best wishes to you all...peace, harmony, and good health....

The last I heard of John Lane was he worked at Arsenal FC

There was a Jon Lane at Arsenal, not sure if its the same John Lane , who played on the left wing, in our football team

May this time, bring you much Peace, Unity and Harmony .

Tony Bent so glad to hear that you are still with us and hope fully all is well in your world! Happy New Year to you and yours!

Hi there my mum was there from 1955 Miss Christina Alcock anyone remember her? She was at Hillside - her best friend was Monica Brown. My mum would love to get in touch with anyone from her old school days.xxx

Hi Caleb, good to hear from you. Memories of way back, in the "day". "accidentally came across this site " I really wanted to thank those in the "day", who had shown me kindness and say sorry to those I may not have showed such kindness. This has been a ritual of mine for year's. So thank you again. I wish you and your family great, peace harmony and health."Blessings to you"
.

Trying to locate Pete Rust 1960-1964

Does anyone know the whereabouts of Pete Rust 1960-1964, he played drums. I’ve managed to locate Caleb Quaye, John Greene, all ex members of the school band, The Soundcasters.

We had a school band????

I attended Hillside from May 1969 till February 1070 before we returned home to Australia. I was 14/15 and had a crush on Mr. Coxhead but can't remember what he taught. Can anyone help?

Hi Jane. Coxhead taught History

Peter Rust as far as I know is living in Basingstoke with his wife Pamela. He used to run a Taxi Business in the town

Does anyone know how to find out the pupils in 4C 1960-1964. Mike Glass

Thank you John. Are you the John Wilkinson that worked at Barnet General Hospital if so, I was on the London Ambulance service when I last saw you. Really appreciate Peter Rusts possible location.

John Wilkinson it’s good to see your name pop up, am I right you lived in Green Road, Whetstone near the Three Horseshoes, you used to knock around with Dave Taylor I think. Hope you’re keeping well, Mr Trott lived around that area somewhere as I used to see him in The Griffin occasionally.

I hope you bought Vicor a pint. Some times he was a bit rigid, but he did maintain discipline which was not a bad thing back then. I still remember Victor Trott for his waistcoats. Regards to all former pupils and teachers who are still surviving. Lou (Mick) Knapman

Primarily aimed at Christine Pickup's entry on 24/11/22; I assume I was in the same class as you but sadly cannot remember you! However you mention Christine Pitt (the love of my life at the time) and I wondered if you knew what happened to her after leaving school and if you know if she is still alive as we are all approaching our eighties! And the same for the other names I mentioned in my entries of May 2020 and August 2021. Any info greatly welcomed from any source!!

Hi Tony, how are you doing? loads of us have wondered how you’ve been, it’s great to see your name pop up, I hope you’re doing well.

Nostalgic but not always in a good way. I had many friends but haven't seen a one in that many years since leaving in 1962. I hope the world has been kind to them. And it was Weedon, deputy head, not Weeder. Still in love with Dulcie Ribbons. C

Interested in Tony Bent's entry of 1/11/22; what intake were you at army apprentices--I was 59C @ Arborfield. Still no news about Christine Pitt from my entry 3/5/23; any news very much appreciated.

Yes I did hang around with David Taylor, Norman Jackson & Peter Vickery. Heard through the grapevine that David Taylor, Peter Petch ‘ David Schad have all passed away. So sad.
I lived in Capel Close off of Green Road.
Now reside in St Albans. It was Mr Southwell who lived in Green Road.
Yes, I did work in Barnet General for a while. Ended up working in Oil & Gas until I retired. Glad to see Chris & Mike are still alive & kicking. Two nice guys.

Ref. IaynThomas .. And Chris Proud.. Iwas intake 7.Worthy Down..
Best wishes to you all
Tony. B

Hi I attended hillside 1960 to 1962 I remember Tony bent and Maurice salmon if I remember Tony was the fastest guy on two legs I was quick but he always beat me into 2nd place. Maurice i believe lived in lodge lane. I lived in Woodside avenue. I started I 1 /a1 and moved to 1a . I captained the years football team

Best wishes Bernard

Harmony

Hi Tony,Bernard and anyone else that was at Hillside during 60s. I wish you all a belated Happy New Year. It is so sad to hear about the passing of David Schad & Pete Vickery almost 60years since we were at Hillside where have the years gone. Thankfully as far as i know i am in good health and hope that you are the same. Tony as Bernie says you were always the top at any sports. I remember Tony playing cricket with you and your friend i can not remember his name but he had glasses good times. I could go on forever remembering teachers and pupils names I think of you all so much. It is so nice to have this forum so that we can all share our memories. Take care and keep in touch.

Hello Maurice
Yes, I remember you. I think we also played some football together. I see names on the site that I also remember. I do hope you are well.

Hi Maurice good to hear from you. Am I wrong in thinking that you lived in lodge lane because sometimes we would walk home together. Happy new year to everyone on this board.

Hi Bernard good to hear from you to amazing to think it is 60 years ago that we were at Hillside.
I used to live in Grange Avenue which was connected to Lodge Lane by Church Path.
I dont know if you remember Peter Austen and Robert Newman they both lived in Lodge Lane and attended Hillside.
Take care and keep in touch.

Hello folks. Some of you might be interested in a photo I posted in 2013. It was of form 1B1 (taken in September 1960.) Cheers.Check it out in the photo gallery, it's number: 11086

Thinking about my time in the late 50's(see earlier submissions), I seem to recall that the girls did cookery (called Domestic Science?) and the boys metalwork (but not woodwork?). If that is true did we not all come together in a classroom on the top floor for "handicrafts" as well? I remember making a nail scissor case out of some sheet plastic stuff for my Mum and being ribbed by the girls for ginormous stiches in sewing it all together! Still hoping for any news of Christine Pitt........

Re my post of October 2022.
I have located all the members of the school band The Soundcasters, Caleb Quaye lives in the the USA, John Greene lives in Bucks, Pete Rust Hants, and me Mike Glass Herts.
We are all in touch, and planning a reunion for the U.K. based members sometime this Spring.

All the soundcasters school band are now in contact 60-64, after researching.
Caleb Quaye in the USA
John Greene Bucks.
Pete Rust Hants
Mick Glass Herts.

Hi Mike, I’m Joe who attended Hillside 64-69’ Caleb was a good friend of my late brother Terry Wallace.... May I ask, was your Dad the coalman ? I remember a Mr Glass delivering sacks of coal and always thought how strong he was !! Forgive me if there’s no connection..?wete you in the group called Hookfoot ?’

All the soundcasters school band are now in contact 60-64, after researching.
Caleb Quaye in the USA
John Greene Bucks.
Pete Rust Hants
Mick Glass Herts.

My dads brother was the coal man, my dad had a haulage co, and I was not in Hookfoot, Caleb was.

Hi,

Does anyone remember Colin Harlow?

Most of the above is not what I remember, I first went to hillside on Dover Road for a year whilst most of the senior classes moved to the new building, after one year we all moved to the new building, we had two A year classes due to the post war baby rush, Mr Parks was the head teacher and a fair person and a great maths teacher but normally only substituted when the main maths teacher was absent. the main one a big irish one was terrible but no doubt had nasy ww2 memories like many of the teachers. The parents and students helped dig out the swimming pool and we also had a training yacht in the harbour, which must have been a first for a secondary school.Girls chool down the road we had to walk past, but never allowed to associate or talk to. Left end of 1961 to join Royal Navy

Does anyone here remember a Colin Harlow?

Hi Christopher. The reason you don't remember any of the above is that it's not the school you went to! Ours was in Summers Lane, North Finchley, London.

Think you got the wrong school. This is Hillside in Finchley , London, not Dover

oop's sorry put it down to being a old crinkly

Hi Valerie/Janice/Wendy, this is Eddy Solomon, I too was at school with you (obviously easily forgotten) others in our year were Peter Andersen Les Crouch Jimmy Maddin, David T O W N L E Y Robert Trowt, Nicholas Percival., Jonathan Crook, Kevan Webb, Phylis Wood and Kamila Radwan.

Valerie I remember your brother driving you me and someone else to Janice's parent's house on Newmarket for a party/get-together or is that a weird dream that I had.

Good afternoon Edward remember you well

Hey! Eddy Solomon! Yay! Of course I remember you! And some fun times we had in our innocent youth!!The Hyde Park Stones concert was one and my brother was great to ferry us around. I even keep in contact & see my very good friend Janice (Jan) when I go back to the UK a couple of times each year because I now live in Brittany, France.
I remember all those names that you mentioned - I wonder where they are now?
And you? I wonder where life took you?
As a lazy and disaffected student, I obviously went on to become a teacher, mostly in primary schools in St Albans & then later in Cambridgeshire.
And then up pops David Tyler! Who, if I recall, was usually fiddling about mending bikes back in the day.
Well that was a blast from the past - thanks for jogging my memory, Edward. Fun memories!

Hi
I am Surendra I was at Hillside between 61-66 - remember quite a few of the names like Tony Bent, Maurice Salmon, Norman Jackson, Geoffrey Clark ( whom I’m in touch with) Caleb and quite a few others.
Helen you mentioned a class photo can you send me the link to it
I can’t seem to find it.
Does anyone remember Carol Russell or know where she is ?

Hi Surendra.
Yes I remember you and your brother Nurendra..
I hope all is well with you.
Best wishes
Tony Bent

Hi again, Surendra. Thanks for getting in touch via email; I did send the link to the 1B1 class picture. Just had a scroll down all the messages since this thread was first started, in 2013! Even that is an age ago. Now all class mates in their mid to late 70s. As long as we are relatively healthy and active, lets keep the old brainbox work with smashing (and not so smashing) memories. Take care all. I'm also in touch, for those interested, with Pat Brown and Penny Brocchi. If you wish to contact them, let me know through this site.

Hi Surendra what a nice surprise to see your name on here! I hope you’re doing well and in good health these days. You can find me on Facebook if you like, I have great memories of times spent with you and your family! Blessings - Caleb

Hi all.
I posted something a few days back, and have not received an email to say it’s been posted,It was regarding John Greene, Pete Rust, Caleb Quaye and myself Mick Glass, About our old school band the sound Costas having a reunion

Hello All.
Just to inform all the people that knew the members of the SoundCasters, John Greene, Peter Rust, Caleb Quaye, and Mick Glass, we are now all in touch, and have had an overnight reunion as we all live in different parts of the country, Caleb joined us on a video link from the USA,We had a brilliant time along with our wives, and plan to do it again sometime.

Hi Helen- yes I did see the class 1B1 picture - thanks - yes
I guess we are at an age where health can be a issue - hope this finds you well !

Hi all,was there 61-65 Barry Carrington was football captain the year we were unbeaten +somehow became depressed head while a tall blonde girl Rosemary was head,seems like yesterday

Hi Barry remember you well particularly playing football slso with Jim Aldis hope you are well

I avidly read these pages as they appear but having now reached eighty I fear any names I might know are likely to get fewer and fewer. I just wish I knew what happened to Christine Pitt (see earlier message)

Hi All
I was also at Hillside 61-65 and remember the name Barry Carirington and maybe a Rosemary as head girl however it now so long ago that i mix up names and faces , sad but true

Hi Barry i remember you well especially when we played football together. Hope you are well.

Hi Bernard,just read your post&how you doing?I noticed in my previous post the word distressed should read deputy😂but I m on my mobile drinking wine in Spain😎All the best Barry

Hi Bernard,I seem to recall visiting your house to play Monopoly&eat sandwiches!Remembering some names you might recall?David Dalrymple,Laurier&Jim Aldis,Taffy Tinson,Tim Lawrence,John Lane(Chelsea)Rosemary(head teacher)Andrea Smeed(had a crush on her,but got warned off by Dave Chad🥲remember a Barbara whose best friend was Tim Lawrence's Sister!Maurice Salmon saved me from an "Initiation"due to being taller than me👏ps.Tony Bent asking Pierce to stop a football match to fight me as I had just tackled him,sense prevailed💪😂

Yes,remember you well Bernard,going round to your house playing monopoly&eating your Mum's sandwiches+Jim/Lawrie. Aldis,David Dalrymple etc etc

Anyone remember Andrea Smeed,was my 1st crush before I knew what a crush was😂

Remember coming round your house for monopoly&sandwiches many times Bernard+many other names

Like to wish all the people who remember me at Hillside School (1960-1965) a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Happy and healthy New Year to all.

I remember running in the 400-yard relay, passing this familiar view as I sprinted toward the tape. It was the class of '69, 1A (Buckingham House). Mr. Stack, my math teacher, was not impressed with my sloppy handwriting and punished me by assigning an unbearable task—copying out my entire term’s math book. To make matters worse, he wanted it to look exactly like my sister Catriona McArthur’s jotter.

This punishment was far more grueling than the usual 100 lines of “I must not have sloppy handwriting in my math jotter.” The real challenge, however, lay in the fact that Catriona was left-handed, while I was right-handed. Attempting to replicate her elegant script felt like an impossible battle against nature itself.

I attended Hillside years 1962 - 68 classmates Gaenor Ashby, Wendy Beetlestone etc.
would like to hear from anyone that remembers me.

Yes remember you and the other girls you mention

Remember you and the other girls, different times and ideas

Just a note to say that my best friend from Hillside (Bruce Rosengarten ) passed away early last year

Just a note to say that my best friend from Hillside (Bruce Rosengarten ) passed away early last year

The picture shows Hillside before the Sixth Form block was added. I I went to Hillside in 1968, leaving it in 1974 as Finchley Manorhill. I remember Mr Wooley, just: Mr Stack was my 1A form teacher - terrifying tbh, we had to write our names on a card folded into a triangle and keep moving it to face him as he walked around the classroom (which he often did). He seemed to relax a little over the years, it's not an excuse but he told us some things about his terrible time as a Japanese POW (eg eating grass, not about torture as such). I remember quite a few of the other teachers mentioned above. In my case I got to Medical School. However, I didn't fit in- non athletic, unable to cope with the playground becoming a school librarian - I daresay a 'swot'. But the story of school not helping applied in a different way - hating games & PE, I only started exercising after I left, which seems a version of other stories here, of pupils doing 'badly' in subject X, but blossoming after leaving.

So sad to hear the passing of Bruce Rosengarten he was a good school friend in the early 60s. Rest in Peace Bruce.

My Name is John Morecroft. My brother Chris attended in the 1960s Sametime as Alan Jobson was a teacher . Sadly, Chris died in April 2024 of an inoperable brain tumour ,He was awarded an OBE .My apologies for the delay but have only just found this page

Hi Steve, Good to hear from you. It's Colin Hughes. As you know I was at Hillside same years as you. My form teacher in my first year was Mrs Fawsett, English. Really nice person. We were fortunate, in the A stream and able to take O levels. Then the school went comprehensive and we moved to the new sixth form block for A levels. I went on to a management training course, O.U.courses and prof qualifications and a career as a Company Secretary/Director of Corporate Services. A lot of us in my class were late developers and those few I'm in touch with were quite successful in their careers. I would have hated Woodhouse school, the grammar up the road.

'A lot of us in my class were late developers and those few I'm in touch with were quite successful in their careers.'

That is so true. Was it a failure with the school or the system? Even today, school doesn't prepare students for real life. I left with one 'O' Level and two CSEs, but somehow managed to successfully achieve in the computer industry and then with my own business. I'm sure I'm not alone.

David Stafford 1968-1974
Mr Aloysius Clarence Theodore Sanderson as form teacher - lovely man. Why do I still remember his forenames?

I think he was English teacher from a very fading memory.

Mr Sanderson was a very good teacher and certainly gave me the tool and confidence to aim high

Had coffee with Chris Proud today, great catch up,

57-61 the only bad teacher was a Irish maths teacher who took pleasure canning us, head master was Mango Parks a great headmaster and maths teacher, when he stood in and took a class he could teach trig in a 2 hour lesson which you never forgot whilst the Irish guy just could not teach, but guess these guys suffered by the war, Great metalwork and woodwork classes plus sailing

I think the Irish teachers name was Eustace if I recall rightly. I think he also taught chemistry at one point.
Never heard about sailing,was it a day outing , have you the right school?

I was there there 1961 - 1966. I remember a lot of the names and teachers mentioned. I was in 1B and onwards. Hi to all my old classmates. I have recently made contact with Sue Day and Carol Barnes through a contact at my sports club.
When I left Hillside I went to Westminster College to study Civil Engineering and became a Consultant.

Here are a few names I remember of people in my class ; Maxwell Papier, John Crane, Pauline Brickell, Suzanne Maskell, Melvin York, Alan Frost, Keith Luker, Richard Needham, Steve Mills, Martin Pulham.

I attended the school from 1960-1965 and considering I failed my 11+, Hillside was good to me. Left with some O levels, went to Willesden Tech and ended up a Chartered Surveyor.
I remember some of the teachers well, Ken Stack, Alan Jobson, Vic Trott, Mr Southwell, Mr Moore, and Mr Woolley.
Some of my classmates were John Barrett, Barry Monk and Ian Duff
My brother, Bob, went to Hillside 1963-1968 and I think I recognize some of the names as being his friends. He got an apprenticeship with the CEGB which at the time had offices in Squires Lane Finchley and he ended up in the oil industry

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