A photograph of Mill Lane School taken in 1978. Photograph courtesy of Gordon Mann
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
A photograph of Mill Lane School taken in 1978. Photograph courtesy of Gordon Mann
Attended Mill Lane 1948 to 1955 anybody around from that time?
I went there from 1954 infants till junior 3 class then got took out by my grandmother as I started playing truant because a teacher used to hit me across the knuckles on my left hand with the edge of a wooden ruler screaming at me “Use your right hand boy, your right hand”. I am left handed. I went to Bailey Street after that and was never happier. Mill Lane was hell for me.
My husband, born 1949 went to school in Billingham and is also left handed. Fortunately he was never told to use his right hand… About 10% of people are naturally left-handed. I have a granddaughter who is a lefty… but I pointed out to my son that’s it’s never done his dad any harm. I could never see the point in forcing children to be right-handed. BUT I remember a boy in my school in Norton had difficulty reading. I still think to this day he was probably dyslexic but nothing was known about it in those days.
Does anyone remember Andrew Derbyshire ? Went to Mill Lane school don’t remember many. Happy days used to get the ruler off Mr Coad many a time.
Andrew were you Tony and Paul’s brother they lived on browns bridge I used to live round the corner we all went to Mill Lane.
I was recently informed that Mill lane old boy Colin Woodmass who also attended Hardwick sec from 69-74 passed away in July 2011
Sorry to hear about colin passing away, I started school with him.
Sue Thompson, Pete Thompsons sister here wanting to say ‘hello’ to Geoff Newton and Robert Hodgson. I also remember John and Paul Adams its funny seeing your names after all these years 🙂 I hope you are all well, you all have happy memories of school, I sure don’t!
Reply to Sue Thompson – Hi Sue, believe you’re my cousin i.e. Auntie Anne’s daughter? My dad was Jack Hatfield (was my stepdad married to Sylvia but he eventually adopted me hence the surname change). I lived at 17 Milbank Street with my nan, Hettie Field, until we all had to shift in 1976. Be great to hear from you after all these years…. and so good to read all the memories from everyone on the blog. Was at Mill Lane from 1969 to 1975 and looks like I went to school with the younger brothers and sisters of some who’ve posted here e.g. John Bulmer, Brian Dunning, John Powell etc? Mum and dad lived at 74 Buchanan Street from around 1973 – all gone now!
My Great Grandfather was caretaker of Mill lane school in 1914, George Stark and his wife was called Annie. Anyone got any details?
Happy times spent at Mill lane, starting at the infants in 1965, I seem to recall a Mrs Wynn being the headmistress, then moving into the junior school where Mr Robertson was the headmaster.Teachers I recall for different reasons, Mr Barker, Mr Powell, and Miss Cowans, my form teacher. Also I remember a Mrs Sefton for music and Mr Coad whose lessons I wanted finished quickly ? I also recall the 2 kind ladies who monitored the playground at lunch and break times, Mrs Wilson and Mrs Parker.I remember the concrete playground playing alleys and British bulldog and climbing up the 2 poles. The excitement on the last day of breaking up for the 6 week summer holidays, and the trepidation of your first day back.The dark winter months sliding on the ice in the school playground or huddled in the concrete shelter to keep warm, and the clanking of the distant metal noises coming from the trains and scrap yard behind the school. Listening to the class radio which was mounted on the wall and I vaguely remember the large central heating radiators scattered around the classroom’s but never switched on. Reference the school cane on the one occasion I did get the cane from Mr Robertson, to this day I don’t know why, but in his office I remember a large coal fire giving out tremendous heat not to mention my hand afterwards and the smell of his pipe tobacco. Going to the rec. for sports days and going on the odd school trip comes to mind, and walking to the baths for swimming. I left early in 1969, but remember lots of names, and the surrounding cobbled streets that many people have mentioned on this blog. I lived in Carlton street,yes,happy times indeed.
I also have lots of memories at mill lane school. I remember Mr Powell, Mr Barker, Mr Coad, Mrs Major and many more. I lived in Howden Street just off Wellington Street. Lots of happy days.
Does anyone know a Sydney Ovenden? He married Lillian Smith in 1929 and they lived on mill Lane, Billingham. Lillian Ovenden died in 1951 age 44.
LOOKING BACK AT MY DAYS AT MILL LANE – LOTS OF MEMORIES GOOD AND BAD. I REMEMBER THE WOODWORK TEACHER MR CASSIDY; I HAD MADE A DINNER TROLLY WITH A LOT OF MORTISS AND TENNET JOINTS, MY PRIDE AND JOY. I ASSEMBLED IT UNGLUED FOR MR CASIDY TO INSPECT, HE GAVE IT TAP WITH HIS CANE AND IT COLLAPSED LIKE A BUNDLE OF STICKS. HAPPY DAYS.
For those that are interested I have posted a photo of Bill Robertson and Pop Willkie on the ‘picture stockton ‘ website. Sure it will bring back many memories as it did for me when I found it.
I think it could have been Mr Powels, Geoff, and I seem to remember a Mr Storey. As you say Mr Pandi was a nice teacher – in fact too nice to be a teacher. I don’t think he would last long in schools today… they should clone Mr Code, he would be ideal. The name Harry Rigg rings a bell, what years were you at Millane?.
During my time there I do remember Harry Rigg being able able to spot an offender while still facing the blackboard, he too had a good throwing arm.
Hi John, yes I did clean windows for a good while along with my mate Rob, we both worked for varying companies over the years, one of the hardest jobs we have ever done, I wouldn’t recommend it to anybody. Hi Rob, wasn’t there a Mr Storey? a young teacher who came to Millane for a while, I seem to remember him throwing board rubbers about. Or it could have been Mr Powels, just imagine, they would have all been sacked today. Mr Code should have been. Mr Pandi was one of the nicest teachers, he was a good man.
I remember the cane tucked up Pop Wilkies sleeve but who was the Teacher who would throw a board rubber at anyone he caught messing about in class?
It’s funny what you remember of the past. Did you clean windows once Geoff or am I mistaken? A teacher called Mr Barker called at my present school and knew me straight away – he used to help Mr Powells in PE, I’m 53 now with no hair and the last time he saw me I was 8!
Hi John, have not seen you for a while, you’re right I was at Ian Ramsay for a good while but ended up working at Durham road nursery as caretaker and also was training up as a cook until the plug was pulled and all made redundant when it was privatised. I still see Paul and Peter around town, You’re right about pop Wilkie, he used to have a little stubby cane up his sleeve, I also remember him in the winter joining in with the kids sliding along the playground. I was talking to him sometime ago, I suppose he has passed away now but he remembered me and my brother, mainly my brother because Pop, was a Navy man, as was my brother for a while. I also went to Hardwick for my last year.
GEOFF, YOU WERE SCHOOL CARETAKER AT IAN RAMSEY – I FOLLOWED YOUR FOOTSTEPS AND 27 YRS ON STILL A SCHOOL CARETAKER. I AM PAUL ADAMS MIDDLE BROTHER, THE OTHER BEING PETER. POP WILKIE ALWAYS PUT HIS CANE UP HIS JACKET SLEEVE.
I must have copied off somebody else then Rob, because I was hopeless – probably off Peter Thompson, where is Peter? If your out there Pete get yourself on this blog. Anybody out there remember Steve Thomas? Peter was my brother in law, sadly we lost him 3 years ago, I know Ann Thomas goes on this blog but I don’t remember his sisters well.
I used to copy your work at School Geoff! I also remember the Dreaded Mr Code
with his array of canes. Also Pop Wilkie who was a popular Teacher.
Kenny Briggs, remember you well – we used to go swimming quite a lot in Stockton baths. I remember your home very well and your Mother and Father. I had a chance to work with your father when he became caretaker of the new junior school but took another school instead, in any case Mr Code was still teaching there and I disliked that man immensely, he made my life at school a misery. You must remember Rob Hodgson, Paul Adams and Peter Thompson, all good mates of mine. Overall it was a great school and happy memories.
John Adams, I went to Hardwick sec with most of the people yourself and David Cockin mention in your posts. Myself, Dave and Peter Graham meet up a couple of times a year. Robert Powell I’ve not seen since we left. Alex Patterson works on Yarm Road.
I went to Mill Lane school from 60 to 63. I remember Maureen Douglas being killed by a car, I knew her sister Ann douglas. Some of the girls I remember were Pat Fenwick, Judith Morris, Christine Lee, Pat West, Ann Douglas. Miss Nicholson was the headmistress then. Miss West was my form teacher. I also remember Miss Cameron. Does anyone remember me?
Yes Maureen used to hang out with me, we both lived in Sydney Street I used to hand around with her brother but I forgot his name. I was at that school when it happened so sad.
Also Robert Powell, Jimmy Smith, Freddie Birdstall. Robert are you re- the Dunnings, whos mum was lolly lady forever at Mill Lane. If you are you lived in Atkinson Street next door to the Patterson girls and later moved to Dixon street. Oh other names, Dave Alex Patterson lived opposite Mill Lane. Mrs JEAN DUNNING – lollipop lady, sadly no longer with us but she led 1,000s of kids across the road safely.
I left in 66 but I knew Colin Speechley, Jane Keeble and Dab Dab
was Ste Dunning the Brother of Susan from Tarring Street.
Colin Speechley theres a blast from the past. I’ve not seen him for god knows how many years, his brother Kevin lodged at our house for a while
I remember Colin Speechley, Jimmy Plant, Linda Coatsworth, Angela Lyle, Karen Derbyshire, Lesley Sewell, we lived on Sydney Street.
Hi Janice, lot of names from the past, the Stewarts and Clarks to name a few more live down the street.
Where is my name!.. and Brian Beatties, Vicky Brown, Alene Timmoffity, Angela Smith….
From 69 to 74 I remember – Jimmy Plant, Ste Dunning, Linda Desi Carl, Susan Wharton, Jane Keeble, Alison Mckintosh, Karen Derbyshire, Cody, Michael Wild, Colin Speechley, Dab Dab, Hugh, Leon, Paula Kirby, Peter Graham, Stepen King, Kenny Pearce.
I went to Mill Lane until 1967, I remember Pop Wilkie.
As previously mentioned we moved to 23 (next to the railway) and I do remember your family Kenny.
Hi Kenny nice to see your contribution to the site. I too did the general messages for the girls school and later, after going to Billingham Tech, worked as school secretary at Mill Lane Boys’. Mr White had gone by then and Mr Robertson was Headteacher. Mrs White (formerly Miss Atkinson) was there as was Mr Coad, Mr Wilkie, Mr Longstaff, Mr Powell. I’m not sure if Mr Nellist was still there or if he had just retired. There was also a young lady teacher called Miss Atkinson and a young chap by the name of Mr Storey. This was mid 60’s. Incidently I was talking to Craig Duncan a couple of months ago and gave him the address of this site.
I left Hardwick sec. in 1974 and Mr Nellist was still there then.
Hi Kenny, I remember you as a young boy also your brother David ,I think he was in my year at school. I left Mill Lane in summer 1960 ,you could leave school summer Xmas and I think Easter depending on when your birthday fell. Was Ann Appleyard your cousin? I seem to think your mam and her mam were sisters. Ann lived in a house in some sort of courtyard behind Debenhams (Robinsons),I seem to remember, it was over a few floors. Me and Ann went horse riding together you may know me as Mike Chapmans wife – ICI
I went to Mill Lane school and left in Dec60. I used to live in 7, Dean St. I spent the last term as sort of head boy till I could leave school and start work at ICI. I had tuition from Mr.White and did general messages to the bank and education offices in Dovecote Street. I recognise lots of these names.
Hi Kenny Briggs – I used to live in the next street to you, Milbank St. Do you remember me, Geoff Newton and Paul Adams. I think you used to live on the end of Cobden St.
HI ROBERT HODGSON, YES I REMEMBER YOU, GEOFF NEWTON AND PAUL ADAMS. ITS GREAT FOR ME LOOKING INTO THIS SITE SURE DOES BRING BACK MEMORIES. I HAVE LIVED IN MALTA FOR 36 YEARS NOW HAVING MARRIED A MALTESE WOMAN BUT AS I GET OLDER SEEMS ALL THE GOOD MEMORIES ARE COMING BACK SO OFTEN. I WISH I COULD MEET UP WITH YOU GUYS AGAIN 🙂
I went to Mill Lane 1960 till 1972 then onto William Newton at Norton. Also remember Lyne Southall, I used to love sleeping at her house because her mam used to give us a packet of choc fingers for breakfast.
Mr Longstaff was a good Teacher, I always looked forward to his classes.
I went to Norton School from 79-84 and the woodwork teacher was Mr Longstaff. He also taught my dad at Mill Lane in the 60’s – he always talks about it!
I went to Mill Lane until 1966. I was born in Milbank Street and stayed till it was demolished. I would love to see any pics of those streets.
Hi Robert, long time no see. I’m Sue Thompson – Pete Thompsons sister. I left Milbank Street in 1976, what are you doing now?
hi Robert do you remember the bulmer family? this is joan.
I went to Mill Lane girls and left in 1962, my sister Margaret also attended. We lived in Sydney St and now live in Lincolnshire.
Good to hear from you John. Yes I remember the boys, we all went round together, the name you are thinking of is Peter Laverick. We called him Boffer, I cant remember why. Please say hello to Paul from me.
I do remember you from Mill Lane School, Brian, also Brian Hansen and David Stelling. I always thought you were a nice looking boy. I was at the school from 1945 until 1953 and lived in Tarring St for 28 years. Sadly the whole of that area will soon be gone. It held many memories for me and many other people who lived around the old school.
I remember Brian Bennison, who had a sister I believe. My father worked as a corker and riveter at Ashmore’s, where I served my technical apprenticeship, and not the dairy.
I still see Barry Splevins who originally lived in Petch Street, with whom I commenced infants school on the same day in 1953. We went through infants, junior and senior schools together, then both started Ashmore apprenticeships at the same time. We also went onto Stockton-Billingham Technical College doing the same Mechanical Engineering Course. Barry stayed at Ashmore’s for most of his working life, whilst I moved around a little, but spent most of my latter full-time working years at ICI Chilton House.
I remember Linda Crowe-Henderson and Dennis from school days and around the Dixon Street area, and I think the last time I saw them was at Wembley in 1997 at the Boro vs Chelsea FA Cup Final. I bumped into Dave Wren that day, another Ashmore’s employee before he moved into the sport trophy business, and his wife Sheila, who I believe had travelled to London with the Henderson’s.
Wembley was awash with “old boys and girls” that day, although the score in Boro’s favour could have been kinder. The names of Roberto DiMatteo and Ben Roberts will haunt me forever.
Thanks Miss Atkinson for remembering my name! Peter, yes I remember David, he had a stutter and Peter lived on Nelson Terrace I think. Colin you have mentioned my brother Paul, he had friends called Jeff Newton, Robert Butler, ?Laverick, Micheael Leak – do you remember?
Hello Christine, Sorry Yvonne is not a relation from our branch of the Hodgson clan.
Peter Hodgson; are you related to Yvonne Hodgson nee Quinn who went to Hardwick Sec in 1970-71 approx.
I went to Hardwick sec with all the people you mention, John. See Brian Beattie occasionally and was speaking with Paul Greenwood & Jimmy Plant at a Hardwick reunion in 2004. I think Leon Kirby joined the RAF on leaving school, do you ever see any of the others? I am still in touch with David Cockin & Peter Graham who I am sure you will also remember.
Hello, John Adams! I do remember your name very well. It’s strange but names from my first job stick in my mind more that later ones – David & John Mann, Paul Till, William Joynes, Colin Woodmass. I hope you’re all still going strong. (I was very flattered to know that you thought me a stunner when you were eight, John!)
It is wonderful to see such lads that I know on this site, a real blast from the past, it brought tears to my eyes. I attended Mill Lane from 1957 to 67 and lived in Alice Street. I was the school projectionist, showing the Educational films, and recruitment films for the Army, navy, both Royal and Merchant, and Air force. Remember well the boys names mentioned in my years at school. Kenny Briggs, who I think was in the Royal Marine Cadets the same time I was in the Sea Cadets, am I right Kenny? Also Paul Adams, Peter Tweedy, Ian bell, Peter Iceton, Freddie Douglas, we were all class mates. Also the teachers were great. Its so good to know you are all ok. It would be great to have a reunion someday.
I went to Mill Lane 63-69. I lived in Milbank Street, no 13. At the top was a pub called the Big Regent and at the bottom was Russell Street were lorrys would park. I lived in Buchanan Street in the 80s, no 52. I today took a look at the street and areas – it’s sad so many memories are gone. Cliffs fish shop boarded up with his pipe, the Coop funeral parlour ready to go with all its members. Miss Atkinson makes comments but never mentions me. School class-me, Steven Dunning, Brian Beatie, Paul Greenwood, Jim Plant, Colin Woodmass, Elaine Timmoffity, Angela Hodgeson, Vicky Brown, Jimmy Smith, Robert Powell, Leon Kirby, Alex Patterson etc.
What memory-joggers the recent posts from Linda Crow and Dennis Palfreeman were, especially the names of Mill Lane staff, some of which hadn’t crossed my mind for something slightly south of 50 years. Dennis’s surname is, in Mill Lane terms at least, very memorable, perhaps even exotic. Was it Dennis’s father who worked for the co-op dairy or bottling plant near the entrance to the ‘juniors’? I remember the long rolls of silver from which tops were stamped, the remaining strips being prized as Christmas decorations.
It was lovely to read the memories of, and references to, the staff (posted by Dennis Palfreeman). A tiny correction – Miss Atkinson’s first name was Lydia I believe. I remember Gloria Green as the secretary. At the time the job was shared between Mill Lane Boys school and Fairfield Secondary Modern. Two days at Mill Lane and three days at Fairfield. After Gloria came Freda Cook and then myself. I worked for Mr Robertson and wholeheartedly agree that he was one of the nicest and most genuine people you could wish to meet. I worked for him for about three years and then transferred full time to Fairfield School as that school grew in numbers. As a Mill Lane Girl myself it was rather strange to start my working life there but the staff were wonderful. Each one a character.
How sad I was passing Tarring street (my childhood home) to see the top half of the street is part demolished – my heart sank to think of all the people I knew and the happy times I spent in that street.