The main entrance to the Frederick Nattrass School in Norton. c1994.
Photograph courtesy of Mr Robert Harbron.
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
The main entrance to the Frederick Nattrass School in Norton. c1994.
Photograph courtesy of Mr Robert Harbron.
Picture Stockton Archive 
I lived at 7 Clive Crescent, Norton I went to FNS from 1974 to 77 then moved to Middlesbrough. On my first day I sat in a teachers car at break time pretending to drive it, got caught and was taken to Mrs Redcar (head mistress) and got told off. When my parents came to pick me up at home time, they too got brought in to see the head mistress. I got no birthday cake that day lol, I’d just turned 5. My mates there were Lee Homer, Craig Florence and many more that I can’t remember. I didn’t want to leave my good school it was very upsetting.
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I went there 1974
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Hi Stan, I am Malcolm Smith, I attended FN from 1949 to 1959. I can remember most of the stories you tell about FN. The one story that sticks in my mind happen around 1957-8. We were in music with several other classes with only one teacher Mrs Gant, the word was passed around that we would not sing when instructed to do so. Mrs Grant gave us 3 attempts to sing with no response. She left the gym in tears and returned with Mr. Robinson. We knew it was now time to start singing, what we did not know was our next time in Gym with Mr. Richardson we given what was know as “the treatment” (one hour of non stop exercise). This was worse than getting the cane of Mr. Buckle. I lost contact with all of my school mates when we move to Middlesbrough, but I have many good memories of FN.
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I remember Mrs Grant. She changed my life! I was at the school 1956 – 8 and Mrs Grant taught English. I was top of the class – until starting a new school in Surrey where I struggled. I really liked Mrs Grant & thought if I used my Durham CC exercise book in English I would be OK. I did & guess what? Top of the class again. And I still love English too! What a huge influence a good teacher can have on our future lives. Regards, David Dixon.
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Oh wow, as soon as I read the name MR BUCKLE, the memories came back after 52 years 🙂
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Hi, I was there till the Summer of 1965. Is there anyone out there who left in that year? Names I remember are Mick Mathie, Alan Bolt, Joe Duffy, Colin Gray, Dave Bell, Keith Patterson, Micky Ryder and Mick Whenry.
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I attended Freddy Nat boys school 1970-74 before going comprehensive and having to travel to Blakeston school at Roseworth for the last year.
I remember Charlie Buckle as the religious knowledge teacher who gave the cane.
On one of his first lessons I remember a boy sat next to me fell asleep and when Charlie turned the lights on he pointed at me not to warn him, he got his cane out and whacked it down on the desk next to the boys head and said, ‘you don’t go to sleep in my lesson boy’ and made him stand out front for four strokes of the cane across the palm of both hands, in those days you never told your parents anything otherwise you would be in trouble at home as well, no parents ever came to the school to complain about bruised hands on there kids.
Most teachers had some form of punishment for messing about in class.
The Tech drawing teacher would make you bend over the table, chalk X on to a wooden T square and wack you with it, this would leave the X on the back of your pants.
One teacher would throw the blackboard rubber at you if you talked in his class.
I remember Mr Fisher the Music teacher would let us bring records in every week and played them through the lesson things like Slade, David Bowie and Alice Cooper.
There was Freddie Lake PE, Walter Hibbit PE and Geography at both schools.
Miss ? the French teacher.
Most years we would go away for a week at either Dukeshouse Wood, Hexham or Lanehead at Lake Coniston they were great experiences, outdoor activities like rock climbing, canoeing etc.
I still see Keith Thorpe from school on a regular basis.
Over the years you would bump into people from school when you out and about but now we have all changed that much in appearance you could be next to somebody from school and not recognise them at all.
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I started Freddy Nat in1956 and left in 1966 I was given a great education the teachers were first class although I seemed to trouble most of the time. I visited the old school last year the building seemed much smaller than I remember but memories came flooding back.
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You are correct Tim, the Technical Drawing teacher known as Sooty was indeed Mr Gray. I’d drawn a complete blank on his name. I remember now how slowly and precicely he spoke. He was obviously someone who relished his job. And yes, I remember your drawing of the house on the Green. It was the house on the corner. I remember Chris Hogarth, Tony Peacock and myself coming over to you to see how you were geting on, to find that you’d drawn almost every brick! As the memories come flooding back, I remember Chris Hogarth and myself being taken sailing on Semer Water by Mr. Train the art teacher (Room 1) and Mr Stabler the music teacher (Room 4.) The experience on Semer Water was a gigantic leap forward from splodging in mucky Norton Ducky. I also remember canoeing on the Tees at Preston Park (where the school stored the canoes) and at the end of the session having to be prised out of the cockpit because I was almost frozen solid! Looking back on my time at Freddy Nat, it strikes me how the final year 1969 seemed to have been taken up by simply keeping us all occupied. After all there were no final exams in pre comprehensive days, and jobs were so plentiful that it was just a question of choosing what you wanted to do when you left school. A far cry from nowadays, where accademic success is absolutely no garuantee of anything. There have been few occasions when I’ve been taken right back to my Freddy Nat days, but I was once shortlisted for a national short story competition with the awards ceremony being held at The Ironmonger’s Hall in London (a wonderful baronial pile) where I was introduced to Leslie Thomas, Sue Townsend and later found myself talking to Melvyn Bragg. I found myself thinking ‘how did a raggie lad from Freddy Nat end up here!’ I look back at my time at Nattrass with great affection. All you had to do was stay in line to avoid the cane and you had it made. Unfortunately this was something that was sometimes pretty difficult to do!
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Thanks for the mention Ronnie, I remember you well. Your description of school life at that time is accurate. I think ‘Sooty’ was actually called Mr. Gray. I was one of the intake to join Freddy Natt when the original Holy Trinity School on Yarm Lane closed as a senoir school. And Ronnie is right, there was a marked difference between the two schools. I too remember the art class and sketching on Norton Green, I drew a house close to where I now live.
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I attended Freddy Nat 1964-69 and like Sophie Morris’ dad I remember Charlie Buckle (who was a good man and a real whizz with the stick) and Monty the science teacher with his booming voice, also Sooty (can’t remember his real name) who was a real mild mannered man, who had a short black painted stick in a small case he always carried, which everyone reffered to as ‘Sooty’s magic wand.’ And I don’t suppose anyone could forget Mr Easby the woodwork teacher, who could spot a misdemeanour in his classroom (even when chalking on the blackboard) and then launch a piece of chalk at the offender with unerring acuracy. Of course all this was pefectly acceptable and legal back in those days and was accepted as part of school life. I also remember freezing cold red legged sports afternoons playing football on Norton Rec, with Mr Lake as referee. I vividly remember the boys from Holy Trinity School joining us in 1966, Tim Hardy, along with Chris Hogarth and Dave Newey who must have found coming to ‘rag tag’ Freddy Nat a bit of a culture shock. Mrs Hardcastle the art teacher allowed myself, Tim, Dave, Chris and Tony Peacock to go sketching in Norton village during our double art lesson on a Wednesday afternoons, where I’m afraid there was more skiving than sketching went on. So many memories – the joy of piling into a bus to go swimming on Friday mornings at Billingham baths is unforgettable, along with cricket in the nets on the front lawn (where Mr Train gave a full toss what it deserved and dinked the front wing of an Hilman Imp that was parked in the roadway.) Also playing pirates in the hall and lung bursting cross country runs (alway won by Garry MCabe.) Playing football in the yard during breaks and after school, where all day games could be won or lost by ridiculous margins such as 42 to 51, before the caretaker skittled us all off home. Everything was a joke, from getting up to going to bed in those days. It’s a wonder we learned anything – but we did.
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My cousin is Chris Hogarth, he’s now living in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA and my husband Anthony Bruce Crawford attended Frederick Nattrass school. We are also living in the USA now, Huntsville, Alabama.
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I was so sorry to hear about Chris passing away on 4th July. My God we had a laugh.
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We have a quite a family connection with this school. Firstly my dad, Norman Hill, and uncle, Rob Hill, who were from Greta Road attended this school, along with my cousins Kim and Mandy Thoulass from Wylam Road. To top it all off my grandma, Eva Hill, worked in the kitchens until her retirement in about 1980!
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I attended Freddy Natt approx. 1964-5 until 197? My brothers (twins), Peter and Tony, one year younger than me, also attended FN. Then I went on to William Newton all girls school for approx. 2 years, then onto The Albany School (later, name changed to ‘The Norton School’ until 1976, when then we emigrated to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. I have a lot of fond memories of FN. I’m amazed at the memories of some of these students, I don’t remember much, but reading these posts brought back some memories, like Mr Gregg, I was in his class and Mrs. Powell, Mr. Cross, (I had a crush on him). Playing rounders, and building an Igloo one year, I think, with Mr. Cross? Still in touch with a few people I went to school with back then. Would like to get in touch with more, so if anyone remembers who I am, please drop me a line.
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Don’t know if you remember me Peter Smith? What happened to Elaine Butler
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Is this the Peter Smith who played football for Hills & Titos?
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I remember Wendy Stringer, you went to Norton Board as well? I was in Miss Hills class at Norton Comp and Bamburgh House with that teacher in charge (can’t remember his name). I’m actually sat at my Mams in Norton now looking at old pics of the area. The ones of Norton Board being demolished are very sad. Such a different world then!
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Great site, I attended FN until 1959. Lived on Leven Rd close to the high st, before that on Moray Rd opposite the old Ragworth Hotel. Whatever happened to Mr Brain and the science teacher who nodded off and fell of his chair. Yes I remember the Richardson/Grant rumor. I left for Canada in 1971 for a 2 year working holiday and never looked back. Seem to get back to UK almost yearly.
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Hi Dave Marsden, I would like to know if you could tell me which of the Richardsons went to FNS when you were there, please. It would be nice to tell my kids that their family went to FNS and I know they will ask me who went there… Thank you. x
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Jillian (nee) Rose
I attended the school in the late 60s with my twin Jackie, Yeh… we were known as Jack and Jill!! I have very fond memories of the teachers, the buildings, the playgrounds, the smell of school dinners , the nitty nurse etc!! I remember my first teacher in infants.. Miss Starky? Frannie (Mr Clark’s secretary) Mrs Waite, Mrs Powell (always had vivid red lipstick on), Mr Cross and yes he did make up songs about his classes and play guitar. Mr Gregg – very strict, he would throw the black board rubber. I sat at the back of the class, row two, next to the very hot radiator pipes and would melt crayons on them! Every term we had reading tests and thats how you were seated, in order of intelligence, pleased to say I was never near the door! The wooden desks with ink wells, ink pens and blotting paper! when Jackie and I were in the hut class room at the top of the bank we told Mrs Waite that our dad would build a guinea pig cage – mum went mad and ended up buying the cage as dad was useless at woodwork! Ahh.. yes the attic, I remember it – gym shoes were stored up there! Bet they wouldn’t allow children up there these days with Health and Safety etc. The Veranda… when it rained heavily the playground would flood up to the veranda steps. I am happy to say I have very few negative memories of that school, well maybe being forced to eat prunes and curd cake at lunch times, but in bad weather we would get coffee and donuts in the dinner hall for a treat. My first school play.. nursery rhymes, we did Jack and Jill went up the hill ha ha and I managed to fluff my lines! My favourite memories – walking up the road to school and kicking the leaves. Beating the boys at allies on the way home from school and in the playground. Sports days, the egg and spoon race in the scorching summer sun. Lessons outside in summer. Rounders and netball in the yard. Oh and being a milk monitor. I could go on…
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I remember calling for you to go to school (Angela Dixon of Greata Rd).
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Hi Jillian, I’ve just come across this website and loved reading your memories. They made me laugh – particularly the guinea pig cage! Are you and Jackie on Facebook at all? Would love to hear how you both are and what you’ve been doing over the years. I live in Chorley now in the North West with hubby. I’m on Facebook – Corrine Robinson (nee Kirby). Corrine
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Hi Jillian, I was in your class. Raymond Whitwell, I remember your sister as well. Such fond memories of a great school with Mr.Cross jumping on his desk if you remember. Would be nice to hear from you again.
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Hi Raymond, I’ve always remembered you from Freddie Natt as being very funny and telling good (tall) stories! Corrine (nee) Kirby
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I was at the school from about 1965 until about 1973, went on to Blakeston, University and am now living overseas. I have happy memories of the place including watching the Apollo moon landings on large black and white TV’s on high predastal stands. Some teachers I remember (probably all Junior School) are; Mr. Greg, Mr. Thompson (played piano and lead the choir), Mrs. Powell (Spoke French on occasions), Mr Cross (who used to coach the football team and sing with his guitar ‘famous class 4, hear all about them wherever you go’), Mr Clark (headmaster), Mrs Whiting, Mrs. C Jones. The view in this photo has changed little it the last 40 years!
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I remember Freddie Natt. I was there ’70-’76 ish. I used to live at Hury Road then Balder Road nearby. I’m Shawn Dixon. One teacher I can’t remember his name but he had slicked back dark hair with round glasses I think and middle age maybe Mr Thompson.
I remember Gary Pallister another pupil (who went to Freddie Natt then Blakeston) played for Middlesbrough then famously Man Utd. I also went on to Blakeston School for a few years then onto Brunner School Billingham.
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To Stan Dickenson – I must have been there roughly the same time as you. Started in Sept 1958 (I think) and left when the new secondary school opened at Roseworth in 1960. Your memory is excellent re the teachers, although I did remember Charlie Buckle. I too was caned several times by him. He used to deliberately miss a couple of times just to maximise the terror. Were you in Mr Hales science class when we were heating up some test tubes and suddenly they exploded, and splattered walls and ceilings with some fluid or other, fortunately no one was injured. I also remember the film club held on monday nights (I think) after school. The only time I watched Animal Farm. I also remember being in 2 concerts – one was Pirates of Penzance and the other I cant remember just that I had to get ‘blacked up’ to be a slave boy or something like that. Although I cant remember you by name I remember my pals at the time were Fred Trattles/Russ Young/Denis Rigg. Best Wishes to you and all other ex pupils.
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Who remembers playing midget cricket in the playground at Freddy Nattrass? We carved our own midegt bats out of wood and used cigarette cards as wickets. Godfrey Evans was the English wicket keeper of the day, Norman Yardley and Len Hutton batsman. Oh Happy days.
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I attended this school in 1997 and it is a very lovely school.
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I remember the school in the same way you do, Tony – Derek (Paddy) Boyle and John Chesney were great teachers with Mr Boyle teaching me Judo and Mr Chesney teaching me how to shoot. You can tell that academic study did not feature highly at Freddy Natt. But, in those days, if you did not get to Grammar or Tech school you usually got dumped and forgotten at Freddy Natt. I also remember Tommy Tucker the hippy arts teacher who only lasted one year. Its a small world because when I joined the army in May 72 the first person I saw at Norton Manor camp in Somerset was Mr Tucker, I dont think he lasted long in the army education service either. I believe Mr Buckle has passed away many years ago, I last saw him in Junction Road about 1980ish. The lads were not all bad at Freddy Natt and I do have some good memories of those days.
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I went there from 1970 to 1973 when they closed it as a secondary modern and sent us to blakestone comp. I remember the buggy and driving it on the football field. I remember Mr Buckle and his temper. mr boyle and his talent at story telling. Mrs Fuzzyknackers taught french. Mr Woodcock was the headmaster. I thought Mr Hale was a great teacher. Mr Liddell was fun, and most of the other teachers were pretty good too.Mostly I remember what a flippin nut house it was. There was at least one fight a day, you”d get punched at any time for no reason, and the last day before Christmas all the hard cases got together to go fight Albany, and the last day before Easter they”d go fight St.Bedes. Ah, the good old days. Is Mr buckle still alive?
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I know a Dennis Mitchinson. If you contact the Picture Stockton team they will give you my contact details.
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I am trying to trace a relative called Denis (or Dennis) Mitchinson. Keith Waller who left the Freddy Nat school in 1956, aged 15, recalls someone of that name. Did he have sisters Margaret and Joan and does anyone know where they are now? I went to Newtown Primary then to Newham Grange, 1954 to 1964, then moved south. My sister Rosalyn went to Richard Hind.
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I too went to F.N.from 1931 to 1937 when I left for R.H.One of the teachers I remember most from the juniors was Miss McArthur,Mr Moreland the headmaster had a reputation for over use of the cane.I remember also a young girl called Rita Larmouth who was a lovely dancer.
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This is on behalf of my father Ken Robinson who is now 82 living on Roseworth and attended the school from 1931 to 1940. On xmas day we were talking about friends and teachers from our school days and I was struggling big style, but my dad, who has an cracking memory has given me a list, as follows, of all the teachers which covered his 9 years from the infants, juniors up to seniors. Miss Nicholson. Miss Baldwin. Miss Sheldon. Miss Rice. Mr Naisby. Miss Ditmar. Miss Burdon. Mr Morbiland. Mr Roberts. Mr Goodhead – Music. Mr Wray – Science. Mr Porter – Woodwork and excellent thrower of wood Mr Thompson – Maths. Mr Carr – History. Mr Winn – Geography. Mr Goldsborough – French & English. Mr Walker – Art.
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I went to FN school in the 80s. I remember teachers – Mr Graham, Mrs Clark, Mrs Williams, Miss Brown, Mrs Fenny, Mr Manning, Mrs Phibbes, Mrs Powel, Mrs McLaren and Headmaster Mr Canning. I would like to wish Mr Canning all the best on his retirment, also his wife Mrs Canning. It was a good school and we had the best Headmaster ever.
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Stephen, the lad who you mention was the good footballer from Norton Green was Niel Court, still living there. When leaving school started as an Apprentice Joiner, worked at Hills and then the Council. Had a serious back injury and through this never worked again.
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Hi all ex FN students. I attended FN from 1967 to 1972. I have lots of found memories of going there. I remember a lesson we had in which was shown a film about leprasy and about have the class had to leave the room feeling sick or faint. Does anyone remember making and driving the go-carts and buggie car? We had a woodwork teacher called John Henderson with whom we made canoes and went on canal trips. I remember two school trips one to Lido De Jeslo in Italy and the other to Innsbruck in Austria, great times. I too fell foul of Mr Buckles punishment and was caned a few times. I remember one day being in Montys science class and doing experiments with acid, Monty left the room and several of us fed his plants on acid. for a few days the plants did really well and thrived and the suddenly they withered and died. Another really good footballer was a lad called Neil who lived on the edge of the green, wonder if he like Gary went on to play pro.
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Re the sighting of the lion – this was the lion that once stood proudly over a dead zebra in an old display in the Dorman Museum, Middlesbrough. About 1970 the Teesside Museums Service revamped the Dorman Museum and the old lion was transferred to the Museum School Loans section. Since then it has being going on loan to schools around the area creating quite a stir, but sometimes returning with a little less mane, or missing a tooth, so it eventually became a shadow of its former self. I don`t know if this king of the jungle is still doing the rounds.
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You were not imagining the lion and perhaps other unusual things in the entrance halls and class rooms! We used to get objects from the libraries service to help with topics etc. Those were the days!!
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Nobody answered my question about the lion, maybe I really am crazy, or just imagined it!
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I taught at FNS from 1976 – 2005 and loved (nearly!) every minute of it! I began when it was 2 separate schools and at first worked in the Infant School under the headship of Miss Carr. In 1985 the 2 schools were amalgamated under the headship of Mr Canning (now my husband – I was Mrs McLaren whilst teaching!)and when I retired I was teaching Y6. We owe Mr Bob Habron many, many thanks for his voluntary work with the children. How they enjoyed seeing him as a monk, an officer of the RAF or a Victorian schoolmaster! Danny Thompson (above) remembered crushing cans etc. This was part of “Certificate of Service” introduced by Mr Canning for Y6 pupils in order for them to gain responsibility and become good citizens. There were several “jobs” on the list and at the end of the year, on completion, the children earned a reward. The cans were recycled and made money towards trips etc. It was a very good scheme and most children thoroughly enjoyed the sense of responsibility it gave. The upstairs (which Danny remembers) was just an attic in the roof space where the cans and other articles were stored. I did once put a very large papier mache model of Hitler up there after my Y6 class had finished a topic on World War II and it gave the caretaker a fright every time he went up there! (But no other ghosts live there!) I also remember Kevin Scott and am pleased to hear he is doing well (Friends Reunited told me!) His Grandma (Mary Dixon) was certainly well known – especially for her cycling! The school has now changed beyond recognition but I hope that it flourishes well into the future and that pupils and staff have as fond memories of it as I have.
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Hi Mrs Canning (Mrs McLaren). How are you both doing? I have good memories of FNS, well I should say I remember every time I kicked off I ended up in your class room, or in Mr Canning’s office, and I had to sit and sort the books out and stamp the new ones – but I loved doing it. I sit here now and wish I was good in school and took a lot more in.
The school has changed a lot since I was there. My kids go there now and one of my girls has got to ask older relatives if the school has changed, so I am the one she has asked. It’s mad looking back from when I was in school to now when my kids are there.
from Lindsey Eddy x
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Hi Lindsey! I remember you well! I have also heard that your own children attend FNS now. How time flies. Mr Canning and I are both very well and enjoying retirement! We manage to get a lot of holidays in! You sound as though you are quite settled now – I am so pleased! Give our best wishes to your family.
Chris Canning
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Hello Again! Mr Canning says he was very pleased that you found time to come back to see him once you had left and also helped around the school! He has fond memories of you, as I do – you didn’t always ‘kick off’!!!
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I went to Freddie Nat in the late 90s and I remember you both! You were never my teacher, so I didn’t know you well but you left a lovely impression. Mr Canning was fantastic. I remember a wasp landing on my eye in the dining hall once and he kept me calm and managed to get it off (a random memory, but looking back he handled it brilliantly).
I loved primary school. I hope you’re both well!
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Yes. Both well, thank you Heather. Getting older!!
Regarding the wasp, Mr C says you were too sensible to panic! He also still has Mr Quelch (a plastic cartoon character) which he tells me you presented to him?
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That is so lovely to hear! Oh wow, Mr Quelch! I’m amazed he still has him, but I’m not surprised. Even as a kid I always knew Mr Canning cared, which was lovely.
I grew up and became an English teacher, which was mostly because of a lovely teacher you had in the lower school, Mrs Hoskison (I’m not sure if the spelling is right). She used to lend me her daughter’s books and made a point of chatting to me at the end of the day right through school, which meant a lot. FNS had some great teachers in the 90s!
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Thought everyone might be interested to know that there will be an Open Day for the new Children”s Centre (formally the Lower School) and a chance to see the changes that have taken place in the rest of the school at the end of September. See the school website (or call into the school) to find out. All are welcome.
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I went there from 1989 – 1992, I was very young and have a vague memory of a stuffed lion. Did they have a stuffed lion in one of the lobbies?
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I attended Freddy Nat from the 60s to Easter 72, I remember Mr Thompson and Mrs Gill and Miss Brown, the HM was Mr Clarke. I did the senior as well and befell the wrath of Charley Buckle who terrified me. The best and most professional teacher at the school was guy from Sunderland called Mr Derek (Paddy)Boyle. He was inspirational and probably one of the finest people I ever knew. I believe he also wrote novels about vikings as well as teaching Judo. His colleague was John Chesney who”s afterschool activities included photography and running an air rifle range in the school loft. I hated the place from start to finish except for messers chesney and boyle.
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For Harry Iceton No Harry I”m not that Ken McGregor but as you seem to have worked at Billingham Press, oddly enough you probably knew my lovely auntie Molly(Quigley nee McNulty) who worked there for 50 years or more and is hale and hearty though sadly widowed now.
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I attended freddie nattress from 1955 till 1962.and remember quite a few teachers,charlie buckle,mr ogden,mr ross,mr brain, mr sayers ,mr lake, mr parker who I still see a lot of and is still very fit for his age,mr dowson was headmaster,pupils I remember were gordon duffy,buddy watson,john seaton,john lonsdale, the harrison twins,ray bell,kenny meynell,alec livingstone.they was some good times,we used to go to the reck to ma woods shop for sweets and blackwell butchers for our steak pies with gravy in yum yum.
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I was a pupil at the school in the late 50″s. How well I remember Charlie Buckle. He had an amazing array of canes from the very thinnest to a short stubby fat one. He actually would take one step forward when he struck to get more power into it. I was caned by him more than once. He always forgot I was left handed, and after the caning I couldn”t write. One day he came in and called me out to the front, and caned me. I pleaded for the reason, and he said, “that”s for the trouble your going to get up to during the class, this way we don”t interupt the lesson.” Yep!! I remember him, he was our religious teacher. Mr. Wardell the art teacher, Mt. Ross (Maths) Mr. Mcqueen used to come into school like he”d been on the tiles all night, who once caned the whole class, as one of us passed wind and it really gave off a whiff, and nobody would own up to it. Mr. Richardson, the PT teacher, who fancied himself with the ladies, rumours abounded about his relationship with Ma Grant the English teacher. Mr. Hawkswell (metalwork) was my form teacher in the first form, he lived near Ropner Park in Oxbridge. A great guy. Mr. Ogden, who taught me at St John”s when I was there in junior school. When I was 9 he accused me of lying, and slapped me across the face. The next day he was slapped by my father in the corridor. We even heard the slap in the classroom. Mr. Wheson (nicknamed potifa, for whatever reason) was an actual professor, quite eccentric. I remember he always wore the same pants, light gray. Mr. Easby, who we liked to annoy because he went the funniest colour of bright red when he was mad. Mr. Nicholson the music teacher. School dinners with the mashed potatoes, always with a hard crust on the outside, the custard with a layer of skin on it. I had to move to Fairfield when I was 13, and remember being upset. No more going into Norton at lunchtime for day old cakes from Spark”s Bakery for a penny, No more running down to Fuzzynacker”s to grab a handful of licorice. We always made fun of him, and he used to curse us in his broken English, and chase us down the street. Those were the days, loved “em all. Anyone interested e mail me ixnl.be [a] gmail.com, would love some old photos of the school.
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To All “Freddy Nattrass ” From early 2007 the F N S has been going through a complete “Make over” The section shown , once infants and Juniors , later reception is now closed , being converted to a Community Centre , the upper school , (Senior Boys) is now the scholastic section of F N S I visited the School yesterday and was pleasantly suprised at the light and colourful development that took place during the August break.
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Alan Stockton: Do you by any chance have anyone in your family named joanne stockton?She was my best mate when I attended Freddie Nat in around 1994 and I lost her details when i moved to a different area. I would love to get in touch with her if you have any information. If she is in your family she should be around 19 or 20 years old. Thanks Pam 🙂
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HI Ken McGregor are you the same person who married one of the Huby girls I think it was Rona who lived in 134 Londonderry Road Newtown I lived in 130 two doors away untill I got married in 1942 my family still lived there untill my Mother died in 1982 I often saw you there when I visited my family . also I remember you coming to work as a driver for Billingham Press at one period during my 17 years employed there as a driver , Just curious to know if you are the same person. I emigrated to Perth W Australia in 1986 but my 2 Daughters still live in Primrose Hill
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Miss Potts lived at Pine Street in Norton until about 1997 when she went into Priory Court in Norton. I believe that she had a sister caled Bette who was the headmistress of the Norton girls school, however it could be the other way round. Unfortunately Dorothy passed away about 5 years ago.
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Interesting reading about Freddie Nat, my father Bill Harbron went through the school, as did my cousins, myself between 1965-1970 and my sister. My aunt Elsie Allinson was cook and my nana a cleaner. The school holds fond memories.
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Dr. Bill Davies. Re: Ragworth Open Air School. Thanks for that. Will look forward to seeing photo when you can post it. I do remember Miss Potts Lived in Norton I think.
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Hello Audrey Small. Re: Ragworth Open Air School. I attended 1943-1944. Do not remember Miss Daisy. There was a Miss Stacey. I have a photo of her and Miss Potts taken 1973. When I return to Canada I will send that photo to Picture Stockton – Probably May ,2008.Regards. Bill.
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I HAVE BEEN READING WITH INTEREST ABOUT RAGWORTH OPEN AIR SCHOOL, I ATTENDED THE SCHOOL IN 1958, AND REMEMBER HAVING PORRIDGE FOR BREAKFAST, AND THE AFTERNOON NAPS, THE ONLY GIRL I CAN REMEMBER WAS CALLED DIANE MANUAL, SHE WORE A CALIPER ON ONE OF HER LEGS DUE TO POLIO, AND SHE LIVED IN ROSEWORTH.
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