Sheldon Heath Comprehensive

[Astoness]

hi maureen and jean ann...dont know if you realise but the arrangements you have made to meet up have been posted on open forum which means that all of our members can read your posts...it is always best to use our private message system (INBOX TOP RIGHT OF THE MAIN PAGE ) to convey anything private including swapping telephone numbers or email addresses as only the sender and recipient can read them...its for your own protection really...i am therefore removing the posts from public view giving details of where and when you are meeting up

hope you both enjoy catching up

all the best

lyn

 

[Maureen Castanheira]

Thank you very much I am a new user of this forum and am grateful for any help

 

[Vivienne14]

Sheldon Heath Comp in 1959 - maybe when it was first built ? Viv

 

[sheldontony]

I went to the Comp, 1959 to 1964. Had the misfortune to become good friends with Mr Marshall, Christopher, so had the joy of the headmaster coming to out house to collect him. Other people regarded me as a bit of a traitor.

 

[wendylee]

Sheldontony... Lyndon Green School is really in the Gilbertstone area. Lyndon Green is a little further over (but not by much!). The school is almost surrounded by Wychwood Crescent with Wensley Road along the top. I cannot remember when it first opened (I was in the first intake) but it is over sixty years ago. They have a web site which is interesting.

Hi , I think Lyndon Green was opened around 1952 as my sister went to Stanville road and then transferred to Lyndon Green when it opened, she was born in 1946 I was born in 1950 and started there in 1955.

 

[Onceabrummie]

I was there from 1958-1965 but my older brother Tony Townley was in the first intake at "the comp". We lived across the road at 219, Sheldon Heath Road.
Sheldon Heath Comprehensive School was one of the two original comprehensive's built in Birmingham (along with Great Barr). Although it was a comprehensive it was streamed and, as there was still an 11+ exam, you could enter the "grammar" stream. The difference was that there was the potential to move streams at any stage.
The first Headmaster was Mr J E Smith.
When comprehensives went out of favour it became Sheldon Heath Community School (a high school) and then, having gained specialist status as an Arts College it was renamed Sheldon Heath Community Arts College.
In September 2010 the school was given Academy status, "taken over" by the King Edward VI foundation and renamed King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy (KESH).
The original lower school buildings were demolished and a new school was built on the site of lower school and then the original middle and upper school buildings were demolished.

There is a Facebook group SHELDON HEATH COMPREHENSIVE APPRECIATION SOCIETY which is the nearest thing to an Old Girls & Boys Society.

Townley family and scouting are my memories of Sheldon and Stanville in the 60's. I have a lovely photo of the mum helpers who used to organise events. Leslie was Akela in the 144th cub scout group. Tony was good friends with my family.

 

[wendylee]

I attended Sheldon Heath and left July 1964. I remember Mr Blundell the maths teacher. I was a member of the hiking club and went on many interesting walks usually on a Sunday. Mr Blundell arranged a holiday to Germany and we hiked down the River Rhine staying in Youth Hostels - pprobably wouldnt be allowed now. In 1964 we went to the Peak District again using YHA. Does anyone remember the hiking club, maybe going on the walks

No but i remember Mr Blundell.
Wendy

 

[Vivienne14]

[...........I have fond memories of many of the teachers: Victor Skipp, the history master, Derek Briggs, the geography master, Alec Pearson, the Art master, Ms Roper-Nunne, the French teacher, Reg Summers, the Religious Education teacher, Reg Worrall, the maths teacher.just to name a few. The most formidable person in my memory was Hilda Roberts, the Deputy Head, who took us for elocution. She was very contemptuous of our Birmingham accents! Yes, happy days, mostly! What's your story, David?


Regards, Ray
[/QUOTE]

Is this the teacher Victor Skipp - historian too ? (Image 1972). Viv.

 

[devonjim]

[...........I have fond memories of many of the teachers: Victor Skipp, the history master, Derek Briggs, the geography master, Alec Pearson, the Art master, Ms Roper-Nunne, the French teacher, Reg Summers, the Religious Education teacher, Reg Worrall, the maths teacher.just to name a few. The most formidable person in my memory was Hilda Roberts, the Deputy Head, who took us for elocution. She was very contemptuous of our Birmingham accents! Yes, happy days, mostly! What's your story, David?


Regards, Ray

Is this the teacher Victor Skipp - historian too ? (Image 1972). Viv.

View attachment 133964
[/QUOTE]
The author Victor Skipp was at Sheldon Heath Comp 1955-59 as head of their history dept.

 

[FNQBRUMMIE]

Just stumbled on this forum and am loving it. I have so many memories and stories to tell of my years at the Comp. 61-69
Lets start with Mr Harvey Jones. Others have mentioned him in their posts but one side of this multi talented man has been ignored so far. That is sport. Although he may have been viewed as the enforcer, standing on the balcony in Middle School assembly and pointing to any wrongdoers down on floor level and "pulling " them out for some offence or other , many didn't know of his great love of sport. I believe he was a qualified football referee. He was a selector and more or less ran the Birmingham Schools representative team U/15 Level and he was rightly proud of anyone from our school who represented the city. I was lucky enough to do so and played in the team at many a major football ground. St. Andrews, Swindon Town, Derby County to name but a few. He was always a positive force in his management of the team and his half time team talks along with a Dextrosol energy tablet spurred us on to greater efforts. Great memories.
But that's not all. Cricket, another of his great loves. The Docker Shield was the trophy all Birmingham schools were invited to compete for and under his tutelage we pulled off the distinction of winning it twice. We travelled all over the city to play matches against other schools. Catching buses or getting a lift from him or a parent. He was always there, hauling the kit with him. Bats, pads, balls. At home we played at our sports ground surrounded by the running track at Downsfield Road.
In 1966 we reached the final. I was a year younger but played my part along with the older lads, playing at the Nursery ground next to Warwickshire Cricket ground in Edgbaston. Will I ever forget Johnnie Chambers hitting a six out of the ground, over the top of the safety fence, over the main road and into Cannon Hill Park. What a footballer and cricketer he was. Then the following year I captained our school side and we won it again, this time playing in the stadium itself.
Mr Harvey Jones was so delighted with us he sent an invite to all players to be his guests at a celebration dinner in a Chinese Restaurant in town. I had never been out at night for a meal, let alone a Chinese. He also presented me with a book, a Cricketing Almanac, sadly long lost, to mark my efforts.
So how this man managed to fit so much into his life God only knows. I know he just loved the involvement, sharing his knowledge and teaching all of us kids those important lessons of life through sport. Play hard, play fair and enjoy it. You might even win !
I have a photo of the 66 team and a ticket to the game- I will post them later.

 

[FNQBRUMMIE]

Attached photo of 1966 Sheldon Heath Comp. cricket team victorious in The Docker Shield Final. And a ticket for the match- funny 6d for boys - obviously back then girls didn't like cricket !

 

[Bobrob]

Attached photo of 1966 Sheldon Heath Comp. cricket team victorious in The Docker Shield Final. And a ticket for the match- funny 6d for boys - obviously back then girls didn't like cricket !

Hi, I wasn't at Sheldon but went to Waverley. I may be wrong but that looks like Ritchie Cridland next to ? you.. You wouldn't know anyone that is in touch with him ?? I would like to make contact with him again I know he lives in North Queensland now and is an author - now there's a surprise - but anyone in touch with him could let me know on '[email protected] or just pass the email address on to Ritchie
Regards Bob South

 

[FNQBRUMMIE]

Hi Bob, a voice from yesteryear! Remember those days when we played representative football together for Birmingham Boys. I have a team photo from 1967 ? of us all at the Festival Of Football at Butlins Bognor Regis. Can you remember the names of some of the guys?
Yes I did write a book called Balancing the Scales based around the pub bombings of 1974 and a fictional Brummie family's journey through the 1945 to 2000 period. Much is written about Birmingham and its characters with many a twist and turn in the plot. Although thousands of miles away I am still proud of our city and I think that comes through in the book. I will post the team photo on the forum for all to see- it might stir a few memories from others in that team. I will also email you-speak soon

 

[Bobrob]

Well Ritchie, it's great to hear from you again. I didn't realise that FNQ was you but I understand it now.... should have worked it out.....must be my age - speak soon

 

[Bobrob]

As regards names, a bit vague. Tony Pugh, my school, goalkeeper on the right, who you know. Bottom centre , Pennicut ?? Dave. Middle far left ?? Stuart Masefield. Top far left ?? Randle . Next to Masefield , could be Steve Horsfield and next to you could be a Steve also. Having said all that , I could be wrong on all counts. Must be my age And I think you know bottom right, I don't ,but I think he came from Sheldon Comp ??? Not much use I'm afraid

 

[Bobrob]

Oh, and bottom second left, you know also, Trevor Glynn

 

[FNQBRUMMIE]

Hey Bobrob, well good on you on remembering some names. On your right was my best mate Alan Jones, to your left Dave Pennikett, then Trevor Glynn. Me on the far left middle row being miserable because I didnt get a shirt for the team photo and played in every match and back row far right was Robbie Randle. I was amazed our school team didnt win the County Cup with 4 players playing for the representative team in that photo but we lost to Oldbury Grammar in the final at Hadley Stadium. Bad loser me. And as per usual there you are looking cool and handsome. Tony Pugh told me back then that all the girls chased after you at Waverley- Your thoughts

 

[Bobrob]

Well, I've asked one of the Oldbury lads, Ian Jarrett ( Faza) , probably played in that team ,may have been the captain , for names of some of the other players from the photo whom he may well know. Some others probably in the same Oldbury team, Lee Heaven, great midfielder. Johnny Manley, great winger, 'Chilli' Childs, great lad but mad as a hatter,some other names may come back to me later. I know these lads from playing against them but also from after school days because Wendy came from Oldbury Grammar and also knew them.

 

[FNQBRUMMIE]

Hi Bob, yes I remember those guys, they were the ones responsible for ruining my dreams- but yes they were all good players, Lee especially who I had a great battle with in midfield but he was too good for us on the day. And your good lady remembers them all. Amazing really. She was from Oldbury and my wife was from Warley. Its a small world - from Brum to France and Brum to Oz, who'd a thought it

 

[The Artist?]

I have only just come across this Forum, all of the past entries have been read, and I fear there is little I can add by way of new information. I started Sheldon Heath in 1955, the year it opened. I took the 11+ at King Edwards CampHill, my parents thought I was bright,(you took the exam at the school of first choice). I was given a place at Sheldon Heath, a school no one had ever heard off!!! The interview for entry was at Garrats Green Technical School with Mr.Smith. When I started even the Lower School was a building site.My form teacher was Mr. Pearson, the Art Teacher,(he designed the school badge) this wasn't ready so the uniform was a plain blue blazer and short grey trousers for boys. You were allowed to wear long trousers at the end of year3(middle School).Like many other people on this forum I was impressed by some of the teaching staff and the time they gave to their students. Mr.Skip for example, taking us to Wrens Nest in Dudley fossil hunt on Saturdays and Sundays, and archeological digs at Hobs Moat. All this was in Lower School years as was a week camping on the Isle of Wight with the music teacher, whose name I forget. Teachers were brave in those days, I taught for 40 years and took my own students to all kinds of places after doing risk assessments and filling in lots of forms. Mr. Pearson took us to Bruges in Belgium in year 2. A painting of the Tomb of St.Ursula stuck in my memory so I went back to see it at the grand old age of 74. It was still quite good! I owed great deal to Mr.Pearson, I went to his Art Room one Thursday night and he said all your art work is in that folder, your interview at the college of art is tomorrow and Saturday. Hence I left school at the age of 16. Should not have started this lots of memories are flooding back. Michael Moore

 

[Bobrob]

Hi Ritchie, Faza came back to me but can only come up with one other name, top right, Paul Williams, Handsworth GS. My email address that you used doesn't work at the moment so you'll need to use [email protected] if you want to message

 

[Bookworm]

I have only just come across this Forum, all of the past entries have been read, and I fear there is little I can add by way of new information. I started Sheldon Heath in 1955, the year it opened. I took the 11+ at King Edwards CampHill, my parents thought I was bright,(you took the exam at the school of first choice). I was given a place at Sheldon Heath, a school no one had ever heard off!!! The interview for entry was at Garrats Green Technical School with Mr.Smith. When I started even the Lower School was a building site.My form teacher was Mr. Pearson, the Art Teacher,(he designed the school badge) this wasn't ready so the uniform was a plain blue blazer and short grey trousers for boys. You were allowed to wear long trousers at the end of year3(middle School).Like many other people on this forum I was impressed by some of the teaching staff and the time they gave to their students. Mr.Skip for example, taking us to Wrens Nest in Dudley fossil hunt on Saturdays and Sundays, and archeological digs at Hobs Moat. All this was in Lower School years as was a week camping on the Isle of Wight with the music teacher, whose name I forget. Teachers were brave in those days, I taught for 40 years and took my own students to all kinds of places after doing risk assessments and filling in lots of forms. Mr. Pearson took us to Bruges in Belgium in year 2. A painting of the Tomb of St.Ursula stuck in my memory so I went back to see it at the grand old age of 74. It was still quite good! I owed great deal to Mr.Pearson, I went to his Art Room one Thursday night and he said all your art work is in that folder, your interview at the college of art is tomorrow and Saturday. Hence I left school at the age of 16. Should not have started this lots of memories are flooding back. Michael Moore

Hi Michael, I was also in the first intake. I have most of Victor Skips books and am still finding them inspiring. There is much information on the Sheldon Heath Appreciation Society (Facebook). You were obviously one of the top stream (I wasn't) and probably remember Mike Smith who was a good chess player. We both played for the school team. I have the names of all the teachers there at the beginning. I will find out who the music teachers were. Phil

 

[FNQBRUMMIE]

I was just reading a post re, Mapledene School and noticed a name, Trevor Slater. Isnt it funny how names hang around in your memory. At the Comp. my sister was a few years older and all these guys from her year who played football for the school were like heroes to me when I started there. Some names-Trevor Slater, Roger Bradley, Frank Carsley, Tony Yarnold, Paddy Feely, must be more but cant remember. Of course they followed the older heroes like Graham Lovett and Jimmy Ravenhill. Anyone fill in the blanks ?

 

[Janet Hunt]

I also went to Sheldon Heath Comprehensive from 1969 to 1972. Enjoyed my time at this school, I remember a few of the teachers names mentioned previously, my memory recall on names has never been great. I do remember some good Friends that I made at this School...Susan Bates...Jacqueline Allsopp, Janet Millard. Unfortunately had to leave this school in 1972 when my parents moved house. I ended up at Swanshurst Girls School bit of a shock to me as I missed the boys. I had a boyfriend at Sheldon Heath a year above me he was on the cricket team...in trying to show an interest I went to one of his matches, he asked me to hold something for him as he got ready to play, it was a plastic contraption, I asked what it was for he said his balls, I asked how it works (as I thought it was to hold the cricket Balls) he said you shove it down your trousers.......Earth swallow me up!! so embarrassed!

 

[Spargone]

I asked how it works (as I thought it was to hold the cricket Balls) he said you shove it down your trousers.......Earth swallow me up!! so embarrassed!

Reminds me of the story of the man who was showing off his new Rolls-Royce car to a friend. In a tray by the gear lever were a couple of golf tees. The friend asked the proud new car owner what they were, to which he answered, "They are for resting my balls on when driving off." "Blimee! Rolls-Royce thinks of everything!", said the impressed friend.

 

[Historynut]

I was at Sheldon from 1962-1969. Does anyone recognise this photograph? I can see Joe Smith and Ros Tulloch but can’t name the others or where and when the photograph was taken. I suspect very early 60s.

 

[FNQBRUMMIE]

I was at Sheldon from 1962-1969. Does anyone recognise this photograph? I can see Joe Smith and Ros Tulloch but can’t name the others or where and when the photograph was taken. I suspect very early 60s.View attachment 170193

 

[FNQBRUMMIE]

Hi Historynut, I was there same years as you and that photo looks like a few years before us. I have an end of year photo somewhere of the upper 6th in 1969. I will find it and post it for further discussion

 

[FNQBRUMMIE]

Hi Historynut, I was there same years as you and that photo looks like a few years before us. I have an end of year photo somewhere of the upper 6th in 1969. I will find it and post it for further discussion

That was a quick find-heres the photo

 

[Historynut]

I have that one! I’m Doug, directly behind Reg Worrall.