Birmingham Open Air Schools - Cropwood, Hunter's Hill, Marsh Hill and Skilts (excl. Haseley Hall and Uffculme)

[Pete Thompson]

Hi Chris, I went to Cropwood from April 64 to April 67. I have wonderful memories and have always wanted to write my own book about my experience living there.
I can relate to many of the stories and I actually believe I knew Susan Jones and I remember her best friend was Collete Sewell. They both had a rigorous bedtime ritual which I remember but won't go into detail.
I remember at least twenty girls by name and some by number, yes we had a number mine was 21 and I remember number 1 was a girl called Annette Wall.
The dark cloud at school was Miss Urquhart, who was indeed a regimental headmistress and I received six of the best for a small misdemeanor, with my house slipper, which was a crepe soled leather sandal.
As you can see I could go on but if anyone would like to make contact I would love to share memories of my life at Cropwood.
Thank you Susan Ferriday nee Hickman.

Hi Susan. I've been writing a eulogy for my sisters funeral and found this site. Christine Thompson was at Cropwood around the same time as yourself. Do you know the name?

 

[marketman1956]

Hi Susan. I've been writing a eulogy for my sisters funeral and found this site. Christine Thompson was at Cropwood around the same time as yourself. Do you know the name?

Hi Pete, read your article about your sister Christine... condolences by the way.
I too was there at the same time as your sister..I often find names can slip from memory..but pictures can re-awaken them.

 

[Pete Thompson]

Hi Pete,read ur article about ur sister Christine.. condolensces by the way.
I 2 was there at the same time as ur sister..I often find names can slip from memory..but pictures can re-awaken them.

 

[marketman1956]

Hi Pete, sadly.. I don't recognise her.

 

[sheila ann]

My mother Mary Megan Gatley completed her one year emergency training at Caertrefle, North Wales. She then was employed at Cropwood Open Air School, and I, as a 6 year old went with her (I was the healthiest child there!). Our home town was Chester, so after a year at Cropwood we moved home. Whilst mum had been training, my grandmother had cared for me and my brother went to Merton House Penmaenmawr. Then my grandmother cared for my brother for a year until we were all together again. I recognise some of the name in various posts, but not any of the "inmates", I do remember the dormitories, wide open french windows even in winter, and of course the food was awful. Having a mother as a member of staff, I was able to see the (literally) delicious meals cooked up for them. I also remember our afternoon naps on the hard playground. Good training? I'm still around and healthy at 75

Jen Walkington

 

[sheila ann]

My mother Mary Megan Gatley completed her one year emergency training at Caertrefle, North Wales. She then was employed at Cropwood Open Air School, and I, as a 6 year old went with her (I was the healthiest child there!). Our home town was Chester, so after a year at Cropwood we moved home. Whilst mum had been training, my grandmother had cared for me and my brother went to Merton House Penmaenmawr. Then my grandmother cared for my brother for a year until we were all together again. I recognise some of the name in various posts, but not any of the "inmates", I do remember the dormitories, wide open french windows even in winter, and of course the food was awful. Having a mother as a member of staff, I was able to see the (literally) delicious meals cooked up for them. I also remember our afternoon naps on the hard playground. Good training? I'm still around and healthy at 75

Jen Walkington

Hi Jennifer I remember you and your Mother from the time I was at Cropwood.I have been in touch with Brenda Copestake (Now Harris who now lives in Canada) do you remember Margaret Walton, Twins Joyce & Joan Rowan or Gwen Cleaver. It is nice to to see we are still around after all these years & healthy I am 81

 

[Jano]

Yes I was at Cropwood for 1 year aged about 8 I think, so that would have been round 1960 Miss Urquart was the Head Mistress and Miss Addis was a nurse there I think, I am not clear of her role. I slept in Extension, I hated it at first and ran away on the same day as another girl called Ann did the same, we both got returned to the school and made to stand up in Assembly while the Head told everyone what we did. I have lots more to tell if anyone is interested

Hi Lorraine, I'd love to hear more about your time at Cropwood. I'm a journalist at ITV Central News and am hoping to do a short feature on some of the Open Air schools in the Midlands for our regional news programme. Would you be happy to have a chat?
Jane

 

[michaelwicks54]

Hi Lorraine, I'd love to hear more about your time at Cropwood. I'm a journalist at ITV Central News and am hoping to do a short feature on some of the Open Air schools in the Midlands for our regional news programme. Would you be happy to have a chat?
Jane

Jano.I was at Hunters Hill, just across the road from Cropwood, & had a similar experience when I first went ther in 1965. I ran away twice, as I did not like it, but after sitting down for a proper chat with our head teacher, (Miss Buckley), I started to like it, though got bullied a lot.

 

[Jano]

Hi again,

My experience at Hunters Hill led me to vow that no matter how wealthy I became no child of mine would be submitted to a 'Tom Brown's Schooldays' type of life at a boarding school.

I recall that the weekly shower included mandatory use of Durbac soap on our hair. Matron, a thin rather strict woman, or Sister, a plump pleasant lady, oversaw the showers. On Sundays we were issued with grey shorts and black jackets to attend religious services - I alternated between non-conformist chapel, C of E and Catholic. The latter group was chaperoned by Matron.

There were no exams when I was there and, as a result, missed the 11+. This led the careers officer who visited Wattville Road Secondary Modern school, Handsworth, advising me I had no chance of becoming a journalist. He said the only job open to me in newspapers would be as a messenger. He persuaded me to become an electrician. I managed six months winding coils for electric motors at a company in Hockley. I quit the day my apprenticeship papers arrived.

I became of copy boy (messenger) at the tabloid Evening Despatch in Birmingham. This led to a job as a junior reporter on a weekly newspaper and, following five years service in the RAF, to sub-editor on an evening newspaper and later editorship of a weekly newspaper in the Black Country.

I guess that the personal damage I suffered at Hunters Hill did not have the adverse effects that I feared.

Regards, Lawrence

Hi again,

My experience at Hunters Hill led me to vow that no matter how wealthy I became no child of mine would be submitted to a 'Tom Brown's Schooldays' type of life at a boarding school.

I recall that the weekly shower included mandatory use of Durbac soap on our hair. Matron, a thin rather strict woman, or Sister, a plump pleasant lady, oversaw the showers. On Sundays we were issued with grey shorts and black jackets to attend religious services - I alternated between non-conformist chapel, C of E and Catholic. The latter group was chaperoned by Matron.

There were no exams when I was there and, as a result, missed the 11+. This led the careers officer who visited Wattville Road Secondary Modern school, Handsworth, advising me I had no chance of becoming a journalist. He said the only job open to me in newspapers would be as a messenger. He persuaded me to become an electrician. I managed six months winding coils for electric motors at a company in Hockley. I quit the day my apprenticeship papers arrived.

I became of copy boy (messenger) at the tabloid Evening Despatch in Birmingham. This led to a job as a junior reporter on a weekly newspaper and, following five years service in the RAF, to sub-editor on an evening newspaper and later editorship of a weekly newspaper in the Black Country.

I guess that the personal damage I suffered at Hunters Hill did not have the adverse effects that I feared.

Regards, Lawrence

Hi Lawrence. Would you be willing to talk to me about your time at Hunters Hill? I'm hoping to do a feature on Open Air schools in Birmingham for ITV Central News

 

[Jano]

the balcony looks similar but the building looks very different from the one above which is more like the one I stayed in.it was a beaautiful building and lovely surroundings but evil within. young children having to get up at 5.30 to clean their shoes strip their beds, blankets folded at the bottom all square. all before breakfas.t we were given cod liver oil tablets and if you didn't swallow them punishment, one girl was so frightened she wet herself so had to stand at the front during breakfast with her knickers on her head. at night we had to queue to have our underwear inspected it was so degrading and even though we were so young it didn't seem right. there was definatly no mothering at this school.

Hi, Would you be willing to talk to me about your time at the Open Air school? sounds dreadful! I'm a journalist at ITV Central news and am hoping to do a feature for our regional news programme about Birminghams open air schools

 

[Jano]

Hi Belinda, I have enjoyed your memories so much and have many of the same ones.
I can confirm that it was Rosemary Cottage and it was in fact quite an inspiring house.
I slept there for about 6mths and remember Linda Barr and Linda Thompson who were friends and my best friend Helen Mooney.
Was you there when we watched the Monkeys in the 60s?
Do you remember the long huts in the grounds of Rosemary Cottage where we went for Brownies and until 64 I think the odd birthday party?
I have so many tales and like you have very vivid memories. Would love to hear from you Susan Ferriday nee Hickman.

Hi Belinda and susan, I'm a journalist at ITV Central News, hoping to do a feature on Birminghams Open Air schools for our regional news programme. You both have some amazing memories, would you be willing to talk to me about them?
[email protected]

 

[Jano]

There is a review of the book on the Amazon site...

“I have this book and it is a VERY interesting read, more so because my twin sister and I were pupils in these schools back in the 1960s. We were at Skilts together and later seperated to Cropwood (my sister) and Hunters Hill.
The writers give a very romantic view to these establishments, my memories are VERY different to theirs. My sister and I were forced to go to these resedntial schools, taken away from out parents and our home, seeing our Mom and Dad for a couple of hours once a month. These establishments were not the home from home "happy holidya" places they seem to project.
Boys, including myself, at times cried because they were so homesick and missed their families, some boys even ran away to try and get back to their parents.
There was never enough food and heating didn't seem to exist. To get warm we boys would hide in the cloakroom where the "best" jackets and coats were kept. It was against the rules but SO warm. At night when we were hungry we wood eat our toothpaste, THAT was hunger!
I see no mention of this in the book ..........
All in all the book is good as a record of Open Air Schools, their locations and their purpose but as I have said a very rosey picture is painted and I for one would have liked to see more reality and less rose tinted memory.”

Hello, Would you be willing to talk to me about your memories of Skilts, Cropwood and Hunters Hill schools? I'm a journalist at ITV Central News hoping to do a feature on Birminghams open air schools

 

[michaelwicks54]

Hi, Would you be willing to talk to me about your time at the Open Air school? sounds dreadful! I'm a journalist at ITV Central news and am hoping to do a feature for our regional news programme about Birminghams open air schools

I would certainly love to give some insight of times in these open air scools. I had 4 years at Hunters Hill before I left to start work. Some of the teachers were really nice,yet there were a few that took it upon themselves to bully the weeker children, (myself included). It will be so nice to have a feature on Central news about how these schools were in the 60's.

 

[michaelwicks54]

Jano.I was at Hunters Hill, just across the road from Cropwood, & had a similar experience when I first went ther in 1965. I ran away twice, as I did not like it, but after sitting down for a proper chat with our head teacher, (Miss Buckley), I started to like it, though got bullied a lot.

Hello Jane. Thank you for your email regarding your research. Yes, I would be willing to share my experiences of my 4 years at Hunters Hill Open Air School. Sadly, the only people who know of what life was really like are the former pupils of these schools. Times was very hard for us pupils in the 50' & 60's, & luckily, some have managed to overcome their difficult times. Some though, have not.

 

[Pedrocut]

Hello, Would you be willing to talk to me about your memories of Skilts, Cropwood and Hunters Hill schools? I'm a journalist at ITV Central News hoping to do a feature on Birminghams open air schools

Sorry, the post merely reproduces for the Forum the comment made of the book by an Amazon contributor. I have no personal knowledge.

 

[Ladyship]

Hello,
I was at Cropwood Open air school in the late fifties, Miss Urqhart was the headmistress at the time, there is a very interesting book you can get from the library called 'A Breath of Fresh Air' it was written by a girl that was there, I think her name is Frances Willmott.. The book is the history of all the open air schools, I think there were six run by Birmingham Council.
Regards trebor (Rita)

I also went to Marsh Hill open air school, as well as Cropwood, Marsh Hill was a day school, where as Cropwood was a boarding school. I was much happier at Marsh Hill, the headmistress was Ms Hazel, and there was Mrs Browning and Mr Davies and Mr Wilson to name a few. The matron was called Sister Yelland.
Trebor (Rita)

 

[Ladyship]

Thank you, I have recently found the thread for Open Air Schools. My eldest sibling went to one in the 1930s/40s, but I never knew which one until now. He was a day pupil from South Yardley and since Marsh Hill the only day school he must have been there. He was found to have a cardiovascular problem and attended from the age five to fifteen. I think he was very happy there and I know my late mother, a strong determined mother, would never have allowed him to go had he raised her concern. The interesting thing is she was asked not to give him breakfast before he left home in the morning, and on arrival at school was given breakfast of Beef Dripping Toast and a large glass of full cream milk - both of which he loved. Can you imagine today doctors advocating such a diet? Now trying to find "A Breath of Fresh Air", and note there might be some records in the National Archives. Thank you again. Valerie.

 

[Hayles]

I was there 1965/7 I think it was more like a borstal school at times, I was always so frightened, I remember two little girls (Josephine? & her sister Patricia?) They would force feed the younger one, she would spit it out and they would make her eat it, awful to see, we ate anything as we knew it was asking for trouble not too.
I never told my mom anything about what went on until I was around 45 years old, she couldn't believe it, and told me she would have taken me home at any time, I explained to her that I was told it wasn't up to her, that I'd go when the head said I could, we talked about it and it became a joke between us, my mom was only 4ft 11 but she would stand up to anyone, and she would tell/joke with me what she would have done to miss Urquhart and we would laugh so much( mom had a brilliant sense of humour) she was upset I'd never told her at the time.
I did love the country walks, I love the countryside and now live in Cleobury Mortimer which is beautiful.
I have very few good memories of Cropwood.

Hi Betty, my mom was at cropwood during the 60’s. She’s so traumatised by it. It was her 65th birthday yesterday, we had a fun night celebrating and she ended up in tears about her childhood there. I remember her crying about it when I was little. So I’ve just discovered this thread, whilst finally doing some research about it. I’d be interested to chat with you so I can hear your stories.
Hayley

 

[Jano]

I was there 1965/7 I think it was more like a borstal school at times, I was always so frightened, I remember two little girls (Josephine? & her sister Patricia?) They would force feed the younger one, she would spit it out and they would make her eat it, awful to see, we ate anything as we knew it was asking for trouble not too.
I never told my mom anything about what went on until I was around 45 years old, she couldn't believe it, and told me she would have taken me home at any time, I explained to her that I was told it wasn't up to her, that I'd go when the head said I could, we talked about it and it became a joke between us, my mom was only 4ft 11 but she would stand up to anyone, and she would tell/joke with me what she would have done to miss Urquhart and we would laugh so much( mom had a brilliant sense of humour) she was upset I'd never told her at the time.
I did love the country walks, I love the countryside and now live in Cleobury Mortimer which is beautiful.
I have very few good memories of Cropwood.

Hello Betty, I'm a journalist at ITV Central News. I'm doing a feature about Open Air schools for our regional news programme, and I'm looking for people to tell me their memories ( good or bad) . Would you be willing to share your thoughts about Cropwood?
Kind regards
Jane Hesketh

 

[michaelwicks54]

Hi Betty, my mom was at cropwood during the 60’s. She’s so traumatised by it. It was her 65th birthday yesterday, we had a fun night celebrating and she ended up in tears about her childhood there. I remember her crying about it when I was little. So I’ve just discovered this thread, whilst finally doing some research about it. I’d be interested to chat with you so I can hear your stories.
Hayley

Hi Betty, my mom was at cropwood during the 60’s. She’s so traumatised by it. It was her 65th birthday yesterday, we had a fun night celebrating and she ended up in tears about her childhood there. I remember her crying about it when I was little. So I’ve just discovered this thread, whilst finally doing some research about it. I’d be interested to chat with you so I can hear your stories.
Hayley

I was there 1965/7 I think it was more like a borstal school at times, I was always so frightened, I remember two little girls (Josephine? & her sister Patricia?) They would force feed the younger one, she would spit it out and they would make her eat it, awful to see, we ate anything as we knew it was asking for trouble not too.
I never told my mom anything about what went on until I was around 45 years old, she couldn't believe it, and told me she would have taken me home at any time, I explained to her that I was told it wasn't up to her, that I'd go when the head said I could, we talked about it and it became a joke between us, my mom was only 4ft 11 but she would stand up to anyone, and she would tell/joke with me what she would have done to miss Urquhart and we would laugh so much( mom had a brilliant sense of humour) she was upset I'd never told her at the time.
I did love the country walks, I love the countryside and now live in Cleobury Mortimer which is beautiful.
I have very few good memories of Cropwood.

Hello Betty. Upon seeing that you were at Cropwood from 1965-1967, I was wondering if you ever came over the Hunters Hill school with other girls for our regular film nights & dance nights, which were held in our gymnasium. Though I never took part in any of the dances (too scared of the girls), I enjoyed watching from afar. Regards Michael.

 

[michaelwicks54]

I was at Hunters Hill between 1966 and 68. I don't think it did me a lot of good other than allowing me to develop a certain amount of independence when young.
I remember a nurse who I think used to share a house with Miss Buckley. I always found Miss B a bit scary in her tweed suits and sensible shoes. I did like the nature walks she took us on though where she would identify flowers and trees and grasses; something new to most of us as we were mainly from the inner city. Did she have a yappy little terrier type dog?
I always thought the nurse (whose name I can't remember) was nice. She used to take the Catholic children to mass in Bromsgrove and, perhaps, supervise occasional visits from the catholic priest. Did she give some religious instruction to the Catholics as well?.
The young blond women you mention I think was called Miss Walton (Jan?) but she was more of a house matron/ house keeper than a nurse as I recall, although she did wear a nurse type uniform if my memory is correct. She worked with an older lady called Miss Hill, who was quite strict. Miss Hill had a friendly dog called Sykes and she married while I was at HH, possibly to a Midland Red bus driver. I remember Miss Walton being friendly with the boys but she would probably have been close in age to a lot of the older boys so probably had quite a lot in common.
Just writing this has brought back memories which I haven't thought about in years.
Judging from your timeline Michael we must have known each other but I am sorry to say I do not recall you.

Hello Joe. Probably the reason why you do not recall me was because I found it hard to mix, (kept myself to myself), until I moved from the dorm upto the block. I think Mr Browsword & Miss Buckley had someting to do with me not being so quiet then. I can remamber Mr Powell's residence being attached to the block. Could not get along with his son though.

 

[Jano]

Hi Betty, my mom was at cropwood during the 60’s. She’s so traumatised by it. It was her 65th birthday yesterday, we had a fun night celebrating and she ended up in tears about her childhood there. I remember her crying about it when I was little. So I’ve just discovered this thread, whilst finally doing some research about it. I’d be interested to chat with you so I can hear your stories.
Hayley

Hi Hayley, I'm researching a news feature on open air schools for ITV Central News. There were 6 in Birmingham back in the day. Would your mum talk to me about her memories of Cropwood? I appreciate they're not happy ones, and can assure you I would be sensitive.
Jane

 

[Hayles]

Hi Hayley, I'm researching a news feature on open air schools for ITV Central News. There were 6 in Birmingham back in the day. Would your mum talk to me about her memories of Cropwood? I appreciate they're not happy ones, and can assure you I would be sensitive.
Jane

Hi Jane,
I really don’t think she would be willing to, I’m sorry. She gets so upset talking about it. She has told me it was very cruel and very strict. she’s talked about the cold baths and swimming pool. But she also has fond memories of friends and playing outside.
I think she also feels like she was shipped off there and felt rejected by her family.
I would be really interested in seeing it when it is done.
Hayley

 

[Trebor]

Hi Jane,
I really don’t think she would be willing to, I’m sorry. She gets so upset talking about it. She has told me it was very cruel and very strict. she’s talked about the cold baths and swimming pool. But she also has fond memories of friends and playing outside.
I think she also feels like she was shipped off there and felt rejected by her family.
I would be really interested in seeing it when it is done.
Hayley

I was there is the fifties and things they got away with were wicked and definitely would not be allowed today, I went to another school after, Marsh Hill Open air school, it was a day school and was lovely, you had to leave when it was deemed you were well enough to go to an ordinary school, I cried when I left there.

 

[batmadviv]

I was at Cropwood from 1954 to 1956. I really don’t recognise the cruelty or hunger that has been mentioned by some of the contributors to this thread. With 80 girls across the whole pupil age range I believe the staff did their best. I recall having wonderful afternoons on country walks, playing out in the grounds and using the swings for what seemed like hours. Yes, we had to clean and polish our shoes every morning and had baths in small round metal bath tubs but the water was never cold. We were outside a lot as that was the reason we were there - to breathe fresh air into our lungs. Indoor academic work was generally only in the morning. The staff even ran the Brownies and Guide troops.

After visiting days, once a month on a Saturday, the nurse always lined us up and went through our hair with a fine tooth comb to remove any head lice that the unfortunate pupils had picked up during their family visit.

If any of that seems ‘regimented’ perhaps it was necessary.

It is my belief that we were very well cared for.

 

[Astoness]

I was at Cropwood from 1954 to 1956. I really don’t recognise the cruelty or hunger that has been mentioned by some of the contributors to this thread. With 80 girls across the whole pupil age range I believe the staff did their best. I recall having wonderful afternoons on country walks, playing out in the grounds and using the swings for what seemed like hours. Yes, we had to clean and polish our shoes every morning and had baths in small round metal bath tubs but the water was never cold. We were outside a lot as that was the reason we were there - to breathe fresh air into our lungs. Indoor academic work was generally only in the morning. The staff even ran the Brownies and Guide troops.

After visiting days, once a month on a Saturday, the nurse always lined us up and went through our hair with a fine tooth comb to remove any head lice that the unfortunate pupils had picked up during their family visit.

If any of that seems ‘regimented’ perhaps it was necessary.

It is my belief that we were very well cared for.

thanks batmadviv its lovely to read some posative comments

lyn

 

[Eddiethesteam]

Although most of the posts are about open air schools I noticed Bromsgrove , the lickey hills, and Blackwell were mentioned.I don't know if it would be of interest to anyone butI spent a few weeks at Blackwell convalescent home in the mid. 1940's.After living in Birmingham during the war it was so relaxing not listening for the air raid sirens and having to rush down the air raid shelter.I think I was about six at the time and new were allowed the run of the grounds/gardens at the back of the home.These backed on to the railway which was the Lickey Incline a rather steep clime for the trains.They could be heard blasting up the hill day and night.Funnily enough I got to enjoy hearing them and it may well have been this that started me on my trip spotting career.

 

[michaelwicks54]

Although most of the posts are about open air schools I noticed Bromsgrove , the lickey hills, and Blackwell were mentioned.I don't know if it would be of interest to anyone butI spent a few weeks at Blackwell convalescent home in the mid. 1940's.After living in Birmingham during the war it was so relaxing not listening for the air raid sirens and having to rush down the air raid shelter.I think I was about six at the time and new were allowed the run of the grounds/gardens at the back of the home.These backed on to the railway which was the Lickey Incline a rather steep clime for the trains.They could be heard blasting up the hill day and night.Funnily enough I got to enjoy hearing them and it may well have been this that started me on my trip spotting career.

Blackwell was a really wonderful & peaceful village. (not sure of what is like now as I have not been back since 1969). I used to love going into Bromsgrove almost every saturday, when I was at HHOAS. People were so warm & friendly.

 

[Pedrocut]

Frances Wilmot, joint-author of the book A Breath of Fresh Air, wrote an article about the writing of the publication in the
British Association for Local History Magazine. (Vol 29/2, May 1999)

 

[tina james]

hi my name tina i went to cropwood in the late 70s to 1985 it was ok some staffi liked it went a bit wrong when it joined up[ with hunters hill in the 80s