A view of St. Cuthberts R.C.School, Arlington Street, Parkfield, Stockton, built 1884, closed 1972, demolished 1973. Possibly c1970.
After all the debate regarding whether this is actually St Cuthberts School we have to conclude that it is not. Please see photo id=5280 or search the site for ’The real St Cuthberts School’.
I agree with Alan Wealleans. This is Bailey st school. The houses opposite the school have been demolished. I went to this school from 1949 to 1953 and from 1957 till 1960. The wall behind the lamp post was the enterance to the playground and classrooms. I also remember Mr Brown (great teacher), Mr Harker, Mr Fitzgerald, and the fearsome Mr Wearmouth (had the cane many times of him).
I went to St cuthberts in the 60’s when I lived with Nanna and Grandad Bradshaw at 42 Camden Street.
We are part of the Bradshaw family (cousin’s of Keith). My brother Paul lived with my Nana and Grandad in the 1960’s in Camden St and went to St Cuthberts School. He remembers Alan Baker very well, who he says was a good mate of his, Alice Coles and Lynda Thomas. Lynda sadly died at a young age. He used to sell papers (Evening Gazette) outside the Odeon cinema, and also at the top of Parliment Street. He remembers the Penny Long Ride very well and the shop in the Raggy Back.
Does anyone remember Paul? He was born in 1952. He has just found ‘Picture Stockton’ so would love to hear from anyone who lived in Camden Street and went to school at the same time as he did.
This is definately Bailey Street school, I went there from 1949 until 1959, it was still open when I left. The houses in the street were being demolished the day I left school. We left Ryan Street and moved to Roseworth 1954.
This is Bailey Street school, I went there from 1953 until it closed in, I think, 1959. Good memories of the teachers there – Mr Brown, Mr Harker, Mr Fitzgerald, Mr Shaw, the fearsome Mr Wearmouth. Memories of the infants, having to take an afternoon nap on a camp bed, rows of tiny washbasins and the smell of lifeboy soap. We left our house in Emannuel Street in 1960 and moved to Hardwick, it was like moving to Beverley Hills at the time. Such a shame not many pictures of the area of my childhood are available, I wonder if it really was as brilliant as I remember.
I went to St Mary’s near Bailey Street and then on to Darlington St Mary’s near the Convent that has been mentioned. My brother in law and sister in law (Harrisskitt) went to Bailey Street.
Barbara, if you change the photo id in your internet address bar to id=5280 or search the site for ‘The real St Cuthberts’ you will see a picture that I sent in a couple of years ago. I suspect it is the same photo on the side of your school photo that I had on mine.
We must have been at school together and possibly were in the same class at one point. I got to spend more than one year in Miss Dawson’s class, prior to scholarship class with Mr Burns. They said I was an advanced student… I think they just got my age wrong!
I went to St Cuthbert’s School 1949 to 1955. The picture is definitely NOT of the school I went to and I am surprised it is still labelled so. We had school photos taken when I was about 10 which had a photo of the school beside the photo of the child. I will email the photo to the Picture Stockton Team.
I was at St Cuthberts from 1937 until 1946. Mr Connors was Headmaster. Oother teachers were Miss Toomey, Mr Gribben, Miss Dillon, Mrs Peggy Woods, Miss Carey, Miss Pedlow and Miss Mclouqlin. My school friends at that time were Alan Tweddle, Leslie O’Connel, Eddie Murdock and Jim Henry. As ink moniter mixing the stuff was an experience, it always splashed your clothes. What a job pouring it into the little white pots on the desk tops. School dinners were good, served in the hall in Rokeby Street. Wonder if anyone remembers me John McShane. Sad to hear of Peter Conners passing.
Hello John, I’ve just come across your post about St Cuthberts. My maiden name was Antonia Connors and Mr Connors was my grandad and Peter Connors was my uncle. My Dad, Jack Connors played football for Darlington and was a teacher and brilliant father and grandfather to our two children Christopher and Anna.
Antonia, I represented my Junior 2 class and gave a short farewell speech to your grandad at his retirement celebration in the big hall at St. Cuthberts. My first experience at public speaking!
If you look on the St Cuthberts photos there is one of Pat’s class in the 50s. Hope you find it.
Yes I am Pat Marr’s sister. Does someone have a picture of the old school?
I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ON THIS SITE FOR A LONG TIME IN THE HOPE OF FINDING A PICTURE OF MY DAD TERRY PEACOCK WHEN HE PLAYED FOOTBALL FOR ST CUTHBERTS. THE YEAR MAY HAVE BEEN ROUND ABOUT 46/47 AS HE WAS BORN IN 1934. WE DID HAVE A PHOTO BUT OVER THE YEARS IT WENT MISSING. MY DAD TOLD US A FEW NAMES ON IT BUT THE ONLY ONE I REMEMBER IS DERRICK JACKSON WHO IS HOLDING THE BALL IN THE PHOTO WE HAD. MY DAD IS NO LONGER WITH US AND IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE THIS PHOTO OR ANY OTHER ONE.
If your are Pat Marr’s sister she was in my year at St. Cuthberts and is she interested
in coming to a reunion organised by Susan Duffie
I went to St Cuthbert’s from 1958-1969, that is not the school picture. I live at No.1 Sadberge Road, can you remember me.
I went to St Cuthberts from 1964 up to the year it closed in 1970. I remember the Marr family my brother Peter Wise was in the same year as Alan Marr. Hope your family are well.
A group of us form St Cuthbert’s school are trying to arrange a reunion of the pupils who attended from 1953 until 1959 or after. If you are interested you can get my email from the Picture Stockton team.
I went to St Cuthberts in that year
My daughter is doing a project about her Nanna’s school and needs a photo. Does anyone have one or remember Maureen Williams who went to St Cuthberts from c1943.
Sorry but I don’t remember you, Sharon. I don’t remember a lot of the teachers either, but I do remember Mrs Bulmer she was a teacher I liked very much. She seemed to have a more gentle approach about things, she used to teach me in the classrooms next to the canteen that were set away from the main building. I remember Miss Dillion and Mr Eglington, he was the head master I think. I used to like playing hide and seek at play time in that concrete shelter near the main gates as there were two entrances and could dodge in and out.
Sorry l don’t remember you, Jennifer. I was at St. Cuthberts from 1953-l959 then went to Darlington Convent. Do you remember the teachers – Miss Cashman, Miss Adams, Mr. Dillon, Miss Dillon, Mrs Bulmer, Miss Dowson and Mrs Corner. They were all there when l went to St. Cuthberts.
I attended St Cuthberts from the age of 5 right through until I left at 15 (1949-59). Unfortunately I don’t remember many teachers names now but I do remember Miss Sheahan – as I was left handed, she tried to make me write with my right hand and didn’t win. I used to get excited about being allowed now and again to ring the brass bell in the main hall to indicate it was lunch time, I think I was excited to be able to get away from Miss Sheahan. I hated the nitty nurse, especially when you came out of the office after the examination with a note in your hand which gave an indication that you had nits, and all your friends looked on and giggled. The Bird’s shop was across the road from the school, used to call in to buy a penny sherbert before school and also call in for Margaret to go to school together, we were in the same class. What memories.
School dinners were as Tony O’Connor remembers them, with Miss Sheahan standing over you to ensure you ate it all and if not you NEVER got your pudding! Eat your tripe or no jam roly poly! Old Mrs Burns was one of the more formidable canteen assistants and once when I was about last to be served I pushed my luck and asked for a bit more mashed potato… she grumbled that she had moved her serving spoon away to be cleaned then just stuck her hand into the stainless steel container, grabbed a handful of mash and slopped it onto my plate!
A far more gentle approach was ministered by Mrs Simpson who’s son Gerald was a pupil at the ‘Cuthies’. The two of them lived a couple of streets away from the school,anyone out there remember them?
The afore mentioned headmaster Mr Connors was known as ‘Johnny Connors’ it was generally believed his true christian name was Aloysius (The patron saint of youth) we often dared each other to shout out his name from one of the back alley’s as he made his way to and from school. He walked with some speed and ushered all the kids in front of him towards school.
He, like Eglington, was a ‘thumper’ and I remember him thrashing John Fagin for swearing at a teacher. That’s the way it was.
Can anyone recall the music teacher, Mr Dillon?
This is definitely bailey street school I attended it and lived in bath lane,when the school was being demolished my brother Peter climbed inside the tower which can be seen on the photo and found documents of when the school was built , he had his picture taken with the mayor handing over the documents which was printed in the Northern Echo round about 1964, the documents are now in Preston Park museum.
This photo is not st cuthberts school,i am the angela from birds shop we lived across the road from the school.thank you sharon and jim for rembering me and my sister.i left in 1957 and still keep in touch with a lot of the girls. we could be getting together in may.
Hi I went to school with Angela Bird remember the shop I lived in Selwyn St moved to Yarm in 1955 but stopped at school till xmas 1959. I’m Rob Newman still in Yarm
Hi Sharon, I emailed Kevin last night, – he”s just back from Hawaii lucky so and so, and I know he”s going to make contact through Picture Stockton. While he certainly remembers the girls on the bus, you”ll have to jog his memory. Sad the think the D”ton Convent is no more, – my Convent at Middlesbro” closed a long time ago and the whole school moved “en bloc” out of the town.
Hello Margaret, yes the convent in Darlington is now a hotel and restaurant. We had a hundred year reunion a couple of years ago and about 200 past pupils met up at the hotel for a special day. Kevin is the brother l remember from the bus to Darlington but he would probably not remember me as l was a year or so younger than him.
Hello to Jim McCurley also Kevin McCullough, sorry for the delay in replying to your messages (re Mary Quinn). I have been trying to contact her via her daughters email, but to no avail, then, hey presto, I received a postcard from her this morning, she is in the Caymen Islands cruising and singing for her supper.I don”t know when she is due to return to the U.S.A, she doesn”t say, only that she doesn”t want to leave the ship, ever. She is with another singer (Elvis soundalike) and is really enjoying herself. As soon as she gets back in touch I will let her know you”ve both been asking about her. Regards from Pat M&M”s sister.
To Sharon Finlay, yes both of my younger brothers were at St Mary”s in Darlington, Michael who still lived in Stockton sadly died two years ago whilst Kevin has lived in California for the last forty years. Kevin contributes to Picture Stockton now and again. For some reason that I can”t remember my sister Kathleen and I opted for Middlesbrough rather Darlington; – I heard recently that the D”ton Convent was now a hotel, is that correct? I”ll remind Kevin, – I guess it would be him that you”ll remember from the bus rides.
To Margaret McCullogh l was also may queen in 1955 (l think) and went on to The convent in Darlington. We have a reunion each year and sing Bring Flowers of the Rarest and it also reminds me of years ago. By the way did your brother go to St. Mary”s in Darlington. If so l think he used to get the same bus as my friends and l.
Ken Sawyer, thank you for the update on Jack Connors. Jack and Peter had two older sisters Mary and Antonia or Tony as she was better known; Mary died some years ago but up to a couple of years ago Tony still lived in Hartburn Village, although not in the former family home. Not sure whether she is still there.
Johnny Connors retired as headmaster of St. Cuthberts in about 1954, to be replaced by Mr. Eglington. I remember Mr. Connors as being a very old and very formidable character, though I”m sure he was neither. Each class held a speech-writing contest from which one pupil was chosen to deliver a farewell address to the retirement celebration, held in the main hall. My speech was chosen to represent Mrs Corner”s Junior 2 class, a complete mystery to me because she and I seemed to be at odds on virtually everything. The celebration was attended by lots of adults and, I presume, local dignitaries; quite a nerve-wracking experience for a shy nine year old.
Margaret Alderson nee McCullough refers to Jack Connors (the Headmaster”s son). Jack”s name has appeared in comments on pictures of Stockton West End FC. When Hartburn Minors FC was founded the original founding meeting was held in the Connors home in Hartburn Village, with Mr Connors” great encouragement. Many years later Jack was a Headmaster of a RC Secondary School in Corby.
Geoffrey Mooney, you and I overlapped by two/three years at St Cutbert”s; my time was 1939/1945 until the 11 plus took me to Newlands Convent at Middlesbrough. In the hall where at least four different classes were taught, Kathleen McCullough, (my sister) and Jack Connors (the Headmaster”s son) were the last names entered on the Honours Board and throughout the war no new ones were added, – a lack of gold paint caused by the war we were told. Miss Sheehan was a much loved Infants Head but Mr Connors in the Seniors was very stern although he did once give me a bright new penny when I was in Miss Dillon”s class for spelling “tremendous” correctly. His son Peter was in my class and we kept in touch for many years until his death about four years ago. A couple of other names I recall were Barbara Moore and Sheila Blenkinsop whose parents owned a general dealers shop. By the time I left St Cuthbert”s Mr Smith had not yet come back the services although I heard all about him from Michael and Kevin my younger brothers who followed my sister and I there. One vivid memory I have is of being May Queen at the May Procession; two processions were held and two girls were chosen, – our names were picked out of a hat and the other girl was Winnie Farnes, we both had bright red hair.It all comes back whenever I hear “Bring flowers of the fairest…” I still have my doubts that this picture is St Cuthbert”s but Jim McCurley”s picture of the Infants entrance is exactly right; through the door, a floor of scuffed wood blocks, turn right and there were the pegs to hang coats; I can still remember the smell of wet wool
You all seem to have lots and lots of memmories of your time at “The Cuthies”. I started school at 5yrs old at Bowsfield Lane, i was there till i was 7yrs old and then started St Cuthberts. I was born and lived in Cecil St. We then moved to Moses St. and that is when i was enrolled in Cuthies. Mr Conners was the head master, there was also Mr Egglinton and Mr Smith, couldn”t miss them, they both wore identical “trench”coats, army issue, also Mrs Mcloglan. Then Mr Burns arrived. He actually lived in a big house in Coundon, Bishop Auckland. Used to bring a Golden Labrador puppy to school with him. I know this because I was actually given this Puppy by him. I had a lot of good memories of School. Anyone remember Barry Dee, Dessy Conners?.Time there 42 to 50.
Yes I remember Dessie Conners also Eddie Murdock Jimmy Sexton and Tony Atkinson Christopher Birch and others it was wartime and we attended school half days at times.
The Bird sisters who went to St. Cuthbert”s School were called Margaret and Angela.
The shop opposite St Cuthberts school was called Birds and the daughters went to St. Cuthberts school. We all used to call in the shop on the way back to school after dinner to buy penny sweets.
I used to live at 55 St Cuthberts road this definitely doesn”t look like St cuthberts school I dont recognise the grassy bit unless it was down the Richardson rd side of the school but don”t recognise the road bit Was the shop called Banks or Birds i seem to remember I lived there from 1956 to 1963 I was 7 when I moved Regards Jan
I think this photo was taken from the corner shop across the road. I remember the sweets we used to be able to buy there for threeha”pence! My teeth have suffered as a result – especially from the gob-stoppers!!! G:)
Alice, Paul is my youngest brother, now living near Telford. My other brother Jim also went to The Cuthies. so our family has lots of memories of the place. Mine are quite vivid.It was a mountanous place with very high ceilings, difficult to heat,so the best seats were next to “the pipes” running along the outer walls. The school dinner centres were behind the air raid shelter, in those days dinners were free and I remember Miss Sheehan took it upon herself to make all children finish everything on the plate. Standing by the “slops” bucket to make sure.! Even to the extent of making a kid who couldn”t finish, typically fatty meat, take the plate into afternoon class and sit until it was finished. Very Charles Dickensian ! Lots of pleasant memories though. Remember class outings to Ropner Park ( we walked) to do charcoal sketches of the trees around what I think was called “The Monkey Pitch “. Each winter doing running snowball fights in the back streets with “Richard Hind Raggy Behinds” at lunch time. Great childhood times.
Yes, I remember the air raid shelter and Miss Sheen, she was too strict but she did have her favourites, unfortunately I was definitely not one of them because I wrote with my left hand, she tried her utmost to make me use my right hand until my dad had a quiet word with her and told her in no uncertain terms that she had not to force me. Back to the air raid shelter, there was a foot hold about half way up with window area and we used to climb up and sit out swinging our legs, watching the boys playing cowboys and indians or riffs, thats when they tucked their hankies in the back of their caps, trailing down their necks and pretended they were riding camels in the desert! Have I really grown up to be a normal healthy person!!!! Don”t recall your name Tony but a boy called Paul O”Connor was in my class at school right away up until we went to St Mary”s/St Bede”s. Any relation? Can you remember the brick wall with the shiny patch which was on the other side of the boiler room. On a winters day we used to warm our hands on that wall as had hundreds of others over the years which is why it was shiny. By the way, I agree, this photo is not St Cuthbert”s but very like it. My brother has one somewhere, when I persuade him to loan me it I will put it on this site.
It is very similar but this isn”t St Cuthberts. The wall in the foreground is the main clue. There was a large playground located at the near end and indeed at the far end too. School milk was delivered each day through gates in the foreground and allowed to sit in the sun until it was nice and warm to drink .Does anyone remember the concrete air raid shelter in the back playground? In the early 50s Miss Sheehan was the stern headmistress of the infants and Mr Eglington was head master of the seniors at the far end. Mr Burns was well remembered as a great 11+ teacher and we knew he suffered as a former japanese prisoner of war which “awed” us when we got older. I”ll never forget “The Cuthies”.
I would agree that this isn”t St Cuthbert”s school. I was there from 1950 till 1957. It looks as if there is a church attached to this school but St. Cuthbert”s church was on Yarm Road.
I remember well the penny giggles picture shows. The particians drawn across the main hall. I also saw Jimmey James perform there just before the war I attended the school from from 1937 to 1946 Mister Conners was Head master. A Miss Pedlow was a very modern teacher far advanced for the time. She inspired me to learn. I remember the bombing in the area, Dennison Street and St Peter”s Road. St Cuthbert”s school looks more like a church and was used for this purpose at times. I dont remember the tower structure so I think it is not a photograph of my old school. I lived in Arlington St, the posh end and took part in those school slanging matches. Happy days.
Hi, this comment about St Cuthbert’s school at times being used as a church is really helpful for me. My grandmother’s marriage certificate states that she was married in St Cuthbert’s school chapel in Stockton in 1919 so I have been trying to research where this was.
Were your great grandparents the Bradshaws from Camden street, Richard “Dickie” and Mary, they were my great grandparents, my grandma was Laura, the eldest child of the family, there was Laura, Richard, also known as Dickie, Lucy, Benny, Stanley, John(Jackie). My dad was the second born of Laura and my grandad Fred, he went to St Cuthberts school as a child.
Hi Suzanne,
I remember an Irene Bradshaw when i went to Cuthberts. It was in the war years. I am 90 years old now.
Hi John, thanks for your reply. Bradshaw is my married name so unfortunately Irene would be no relation to me. My grandmother was a Kelly and married a Foley, both Irish families that came over to the north-east of England in the 19th century.
Hi John….just noticed your notes re-Arlington Street and thought I would like to comment but it is maybe too late. I’m fortunate to be still around…you may not be. I don’t recall your name but I also lived in New Arlington St., at no.90. Do you remember me?
St Cuthberts School – my bedroom overlooked the playground,…where we played football after school!…and Ropner Park.
Nice to hear of the area from the past..I recall Birds shop well, visited everyday, I knew one of the daughters. I don’t think there will be many people out there that have other memories of the time…40s,50s,and 60s?…John Neal
Hi John,
I think I remember you but its such a long time ago. I am still around age 93. Arlington St was a nice area and today it looks well trees and all. Very different from the yellow smoke it had from Ashmores etc.
Nice to hear from you a link with the good ole days.
Regards
John Mcshane
Hi David,..Yes Lillian was/is my sister and David D.,a few years younger than me,lived next door but one, and the Birds,from Dickie Birds shop….
Hi John,
Nice to know you are still around…93,good age.Im a youngster at 87.Do you remember the fire at Ashmores..quite a 🔥
Yes the area has changed,..I think they call it progress…memories only in the head now.
Hi John yyyes I remember the fire but. Maybe I was in theRAF then. I sometimes visit the street but no one I know there now. I think maybe you would be 8 when I left school aged 14.
Nice to hear from you. Regards Johnn Mc shane
Hi are you Lilian Neal’s brother I knew her well and you might remember Dave Dickinson who also lived in Arlington St I assume you knew Angela Bird. Happy days I lived in Richardson Rd but had lots of friends in the area.
Hi David,..I’ve posted a response,but it went to John Mc Shane,error on my part.
Am I correct in thinking you have posted re Grangefield Grammar….I think I’m a few years older than you,..I attended ‘49to’54,…but same teachers and similar experiences I’m sure..
Hi Yes I attended Grangefield from 1953! You must have been there at the same time as Jim Hewitt who also lived in Arlington St. His brother Jeff was my best friend at the time. Thanks for the reply
Yes,Jim was in my form/Vince Cable and as you say lived near to me…good times!
I would agree with Alan Wealleans that it is indeed Bailey Street School. The building was left standing at the time the surrounding streets, including Bailey Street, had been demolished.
This is Bailey Street School surely? Mind you I could be wrong.
I agree with Stephen Terry, it”s not St Cuthberts. I lived in Camden Street for 22 years and when I was a young kid my mates and I wound play football just about every night, fair or foul weather in St Cuthberts school. On St Cuthberts road the school had iron railings along the frontage with wrought iron gates, on Arlington street they was a wall part of the way then high chain link fence which then carried on round the back onto Rokeby Tce. On Richardson road was a wall which ran from the corner of Rokeby Tce up to St Cuthberts road. I think the school in this photo stood on the corner of Major Street and Norton Road, but without doubt it”s not St Cuthberts
I can”t work out which angle this photo is taken from – in fact it doesn”t look like St Cuthbert”s at all to me! I grew up on St Cuthbert”s Rd and went to school at Richard Hinds so I knew “St Cuths” very well.
Every schoolday during the years 1935 until “41 I walked past St.Cuthbert”s School on my way to Richard Hind Junior School. My usual route was by Arlington Street which, in those days ran straight from Bowesfield Lane to Dennison Street. However, if I was feeling a little adventurous, I would take the slightly longer route along Gladstone Street into Richardson Road and on to Dennison Street. During the late thirties there was a certain rivalry between the two schools and every so often there would be a rallying call that there was to be a “punch up”with Cuthberts. Representatives from both schools would meet face to face in St.Cuthbert”s Road and the insults would begin to fly. “Richard Hind Raggy Behinds” which would be countered with “Cuthberts, Cuthberts, Cowardy Custards”. More shouting and a general milling around until either a Teacher appeared on the scene to break up the crowd (they were allowed to do that sort of thing in those days), or until someone decided that it was getting on for teatime and we slunk off to our homes. I never saw or heard of any punches actually being thrown. On Saturdays, all enmity was forgotten as St.Cuthbert”s was magically transformed into a Picture Theatre, known to us as “The Penny Giggles”.For the sum of one penny one was admitted to the school hall where a screen had been erected and wooden forms became the auditorium. For an extra Ha”penny there was the choice of a bar of toffee or a handfull of sweets. And for an afternoon of magic we howled with laughter at Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, and Buster Keeton, we booed villains, cheered the Cowboys and hoped that the Heroin would escape some rotter”s clutches in the Serials that never seemed to have a beginning and never came to any conclusion.I can not remember when these wonderful afternoons came to an end. It may have been the advent of World War Two. St.Cuthbert”s may have gone, but it has left a few happy memories.
I attended this Parkfield RC primary school until 1956 when the 11+ sent me to St. Mary”s College Grammar School in the far reaches of Acklam. A pity really, because that meant going to school at a great distance (in those days). St. Cuthbert”s was a good school with the usual mix of good and bad academic and sports programmes. The big difference was a superb 11+ teacher called Mr Burns who achieved an average of 16 grammar school scholarship passes every year where other schools would get less than five. After all these years Billy Burns is still revered by his former pupils.
I lived in 106 Arlington St with my parents and brother in the late 80″s early 90″s I was born after the school was demolished, it”s jut great to see how things change. On the site is now some private flats known as Arlington Court and previous to that was a small play area. (swings etc)