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ALSTON ROAD SCHOOL
- Thread starter GEFF
- Start date
Hi Geff, sorry for the short delay and sorry to hear of your recent health misfortunes, trust you are feeling somewhat better.Another memory test for you.....You remember that we always had Assembly and morning prayers, well Mr. North,(Headmaster) had the thought of giving us boys a little entertainment, and the result was that for three monings one week, teachers would do their thing. The first morning, one played the Piano, Charlie Adams I think. Next day,Mr. Freeman played his Violon. Both were very good although a little above our heads. The final morning and this is the one I will never fotget, Mr.Griffin sang, accompanied by Mr. Adams on the Piano. They did the Toreadors Song from Carmen, I was spellbound, as was most of us. It was my first introduction to classical music, and live to boot!! I can never hear that song without going back all those years to the morning Assembly. Were you there Geff?
Going back to Norman Meredith (must we), the one I knew lived in Eastfield road exactly opposite Caldwell.Did you get my message about Marle Hall in your neck of the woods?
It's great reading about you Geff,very interesting. Can you recall your last three numbers and what was your Demob Number.... I should guess at 64. Look forward to your next post. All best wishes Reg Neal.
Going back to Norman Meredith (must we), the one I knew lived in Eastfield road exactly opposite Caldwell.Did you get my message about Marle Hall in your neck of the woods?
It's great reading about you Geff,very interesting. Can you recall your last three numbers and what was your Demob Number.... I should guess at 64. Look forward to your next post. All best wishes Reg Neal.
Hallo Reg, Like you I also enjoy our long distance chat, we are learning more about each other 70 years on. Yes I do remember the entertainment at morning assembly, I took violin lesson with Mr. Freeman and enjoyed it, working with tools and violins are not compatable so one had to be abandoned, and work won. It gave me the appreciation of classic and orchestral music which I still prefer. Sunday and Thursday evenings I would go to the Town Hall to listen to the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. I left that behind when I came to Wales but still enjoy the music.
Marle Hall is still there, the last I heard about it is that it`s owned by a big company. The area has changed like every where else, a dual carriage way runs in front of it from the A55 to LLandudno and houses have built the area up.
Yes my demob no.was 64, the last 3 no. 420. I got of the boat in Southhampton and was home by 6- 0clock the same evening. with a grey pin stripe suit and a trilby. For the next 7 years I worked hard and played hard before getting wed. Now tell me something about your self. what work did you do? etc. Cheers Geff
Marle Hall is still there, the last I heard about it is that it`s owned by a big company. The area has changed like every where else, a dual carriage way runs in front of it from the A55 to LLandudno and houses have built the area up.
Yes my demob no.was 64, the last 3 no. 420. I got of the boat in Southhampton and was home by 6- 0clock the same evening. with a grey pin stripe suit and a trilby. For the next 7 years I worked hard and played hard before getting wed. Now tell me something about your self. what work did you do? etc. Cheers Geff
Hello Geff and thank you. Before leaving School, I visited Oozells Street, a School I think and sat an exam for the Post Office. My Mother , a Widow said it would be a safe job. I passed and later attended an interview at the P.O.Factory in Fordrough Lane. That started my working life as an Engineering Apprentice in the Machine Shop, working in the Shop for 4 days and going to their inbuilt School for 1 day.We also did a Sat. morning making a 48 hour week. At the Factory there was a very large and very well equiped Cabinet Shop, with 50 or 60 Cabinet Makers and their Apprentices. I thought you might have gone there. I worked on Auto Capstans, Millers, Shapers, Presses, the whole shebang really, the target to be a qualified Machine Tool Fitter.The Factory was bombed two or three times and in 1942 I started working nights for extra cash. Two weeks on and two weeks off. Well, time went by and what with a few beers and fags when we could get them (usually TENNERS)
life was quite enjoyable on the whole, that was until the Wehrmacht decided to punch a great hole through the Americans in the Ardenne. The result was an immediate call up of thousands of more servicemen, and that was 64 Group and me and you. I went on December 7th from New Street to Canterbury and the start of a different way of life.
life was quite enjoyable on the whole, that was until the Wehrmacht decided to punch a great hole through the Americans in the Ardenne. The result was an immediate call up of thousands of more servicemen, and that was 64 Group and me and you. I went on December 7th from New Street to Canterbury and the start of a different way of life.
Hi Reg, Thanks for the info. I went from school to the "Atco" lawn mower Co. i.e. Charles H Pugh Ltd Tilton Rd. in the buying office, every time the boss wanted me I was in the Factory with the Joiner, one day he said to me " go and get a job as a joiner " so after 6 months I went to "Craftinwood" Ltd. AShted Row. I knew I was not a desk man.
I was an unbound apprentice, because of the war they would not sign you on. I learnt my trade anyway. the Firm were specialists in hard word shop fronts and interior fittings etc. Oak or mahogany, We worked mainly for shops, hotels, and posh houses in the countys around B`ham, it was very interesting work and the pay and expenses were every good too. Of course the army interrupted but I made up for it. After marriage we moved to Wales and I went self employed. Set myself up with a workshop and stayed in the trade until I was 64. In the meantime I built 3 houses I bungalow and numerous extensions on properties. When I was 50 I eased of and went into Antique restoration, again very interesting work for very interesting people. It is only this year that I have really stopped making furniture for the family, when they ask I make. now their house are
full.
We are now going through a difficult period, Joyce had 3 operations in the last 12 months with breast cancer, now this week they have called her back again, We are keeping our fingers crossed. Old age does not bring any benefits with it . All for now Reg, Regards to you both. Geff
I was an unbound apprentice, because of the war they would not sign you on. I learnt my trade anyway. the Firm were specialists in hard word shop fronts and interior fittings etc. Oak or mahogany, We worked mainly for shops, hotels, and posh houses in the countys around B`ham, it was very interesting work and the pay and expenses were every good too. Of course the army interrupted but I made up for it. After marriage we moved to Wales and I went self employed. Set myself up with a workshop and stayed in the trade until I was 64. In the meantime I built 3 houses I bungalow and numerous extensions on properties. When I was 50 I eased of and went into Antique restoration, again very interesting work for very interesting people. It is only this year that I have really stopped making furniture for the family, when they ask I make. now their house are
full.
We are now going through a difficult period, Joyce had 3 operations in the last 12 months with breast cancer, now this week they have called her back again, We are keeping our fingers crossed. Old age does not bring any benefits with it . All for now Reg, Regards to you both. Geff
Hi Geff, apologies for delay...computer probs. So sorry to learn about your your Wife's health, I sincerely hope that you have receive some good news since your reply. I suppose that you walked down Belchers Lane to the Pelham to get the No:8 Tram, then go down past the Grand and the
Rock Cinemas, and on to the Ashted and what a flea pit that was.
Craftinwood must have been close to the Old Central Co-op where we collected our Gas Masks in 1939, on production of your Identity card of course. My old pal Don Rainbow worked there until he joined the Worcesters and visited the beaches at Anzio, still he came back a QMS and went work at Dunlop.The 8 Tram has of course long gone to become the 94 Bus. It no longer goes down the A.R. Road as the Indian Shopkeepers(who own all "the Rock") permanently parked their cars both side of the road,so now there is no service at all it goes down the Washwood Heath Rd. We were great Cinema fans when we were courting and regularly went 3 to4 times a week, going all over Brum even as far as Smethwick if we fancied the film. We slowed down when we got married and made do with The Castle, which of course has gone the same way as scores of others.They were happy days and the world was quite a different place. Have you still got your School Report Book from Alston, let me know. I volunteered for the Palestine Police in '45 in order to avoid going to the Far East, the ploy did'nt work and in retrospect was'nt I lucky.People seem to have forgotten the atrocities the Army suffered there. King David Hospital... say no more, you know more than I.Well I've gone on a bit, it's a pity we cannot be directly in touch Geff, what can we do about it?
Take care you two and look after each other.
All best wishes to you both.
REG. 097
Rock Cinemas, and on to the Ashted and what a flea pit that was.
Craftinwood must have been close to the Old Central Co-op where we collected our Gas Masks in 1939, on production of your Identity card of course. My old pal Don Rainbow worked there until he joined the Worcesters and visited the beaches at Anzio, still he came back a QMS and went work at Dunlop.The 8 Tram has of course long gone to become the 94 Bus. It no longer goes down the A.R. Road as the Indian Shopkeepers(who own all "the Rock") permanently parked their cars both side of the road,so now there is no service at all it goes down the Washwood Heath Rd. We were great Cinema fans when we were courting and regularly went 3 to4 times a week, going all over Brum even as far as Smethwick if we fancied the film. We slowed down when we got married and made do with The Castle, which of course has gone the same way as scores of others.They were happy days and the world was quite a different place. Have you still got your School Report Book from Alston, let me know. I volunteered for the Palestine Police in '45 in order to avoid going to the Far East, the ploy did'nt work and in retrospect was'nt I lucky.People seem to have forgotten the atrocities the Army suffered there. King David Hospital... say no more, you know more than I.Well I've gone on a bit, it's a pity we cannot be directly in touch Geff, what can we do about it?
Take care you two and look after each other.
All best wishes to you both.
REG. 097
Hallo Reg, Not good news I`m afraid, Joyce should have had various tests and exploratory probings before an operation on her remaining breast, we gave it much thought and decided to have it removed, the family also agreed. The consultant was relieved when we told him and said that was the right decision. The nursing sister told us afterwards that they are not allowed to make suggestions on the matter. She goes in after Christmas.
We have also had a little upset with our 19 year old grand daughter, she went to B`ham university in Sept. but changed her mind and came
home after a month did`nt like the language 4 year course she had chosen. It cost her parents over £2000. they were not very pleased. She wants to join the police force, she should do well she has 3 a levels if she is sure it is what she wants.
Enough of our problems, sorry I have nothing in regards to Alston Rd
Plenty on the Home Guard unit I was in at the girls school in Bordesley Green, also the Home Guard anti aircraft unit in Yardley, Happy Days.
3 shillings for a night duty and work the day after, would that be done these days? all for now Reg Cheers Geff
We have also had a little upset with our 19 year old grand daughter, she went to B`ham university in Sept. but changed her mind and came
home after a month did`nt like the language 4 year course she had chosen. It cost her parents over £2000. they were not very pleased. She wants to join the police force, she should do well she has 3 a levels if she is sure it is what she wants.
Enough of our problems, sorry I have nothing in regards to Alston Rd
Plenty on the Home Guard unit I was in at the girls school in Bordesley Green, also the Home Guard anti aircraft unit in Yardley, Happy Days.
3 shillings for a night duty and work the day after, would that be done these days? all for now Reg Cheers Geff
Hallo Reg, where are you, have had no news from you since the forum had a refit, for want of a better word. I had trouble logging on for a few days but all is well now. I am hoping that is what is wrong and its not you or your wifes health. Waiting to hear from you in the very near future.
GEFF
GEFF
Hi Geoff, Thanks for latest message on Forum, and thanks for the letter, it arrived about 15 hours after you posted it. Full marks
for initiative.My apologies, all is well here and I sincerely trust it is at your end, especially your good lady. I am shortly sending a letter (through the post) with a lot more detail.
Kind regards to you both, and I look forward to future contact between us.
Reg.
for initiative.My apologies, all is well here and I sincerely trust it is at your end, especially your good lady. I am shortly sending a letter (through the post) with a lot more detail.
Kind regards to you both, and I look forward to future contact between us.
Reg.
Hallo Reg, pleased to hear from you again, I looked up the population of your village and felt that the postman would know of you. All is well this end, Joyce went into hospital ten days before xmas and had the job completed she is well and clear of cancer for the forseable furure. looking forward to your letter. Geoff
Dollymixtures
proper brummie kid
Hi all
Am conscious that this thread hasn't been active for a while, but I've only just joined the forum.
My dad, Les Seale, went to Alston Road School. He lived in Eastfield Road with his three brothers - George, Bernard and Clifford. Sadly he and his younger brother Clifford are no longer with us. His two elder brothers though are still living in Eastfield Road and are now aged 89 and 85! When I next see them I'll mention the forum to them and see if they have anything to add.
Best wishes to all.
Carol Seale
Am conscious that this thread hasn't been active for a while, but I've only just joined the forum.
My dad, Les Seale, went to Alston Road School. He lived in Eastfield Road with his three brothers - George, Bernard and Clifford. Sadly he and his younger brother Clifford are no longer with us. His two elder brothers though are still living in Eastfield Road and are now aged 89 and 85! When I next see them I'll mention the forum to them and see if they have anything to add.
Best wishes to all.
Carol Seale
Dollymixtures
proper brummie kid
Hi Phil
Thank you for your reply. Yes, I'm sure Bernard would remember you. He and George still live at 154 Eastfield Rd and, apart from the normal age-related complaints are in good health. Am due to see them in the next couple of weeks or so and will ask Bernard in particular.
Thank you again for your reply.
Carol
Thank you for your reply. Yes, I'm sure Bernard would remember you. He and George still live at 154 Eastfield Rd and, apart from the normal age-related complaints are in good health. Am due to see them in the next couple of weeks or so and will ask Bernard in particular.
Thank you again for your reply.
Carol
My father and his bother attended in the late 30's and early 40's
My father was Dennis Raymond Rose and my Uncle was Tommy Rose.
The were also evacuated to Eversham in 1939. At the time they were living in Little Bromwich Road.
I also attended for 2 years in 1966/67, then migrated to Australia.
Does anyone have any memories to share?
Mark
My father was Dennis Raymond Rose and my Uncle was Tommy Rose.
The were also evacuated to Eversham in 1939. At the time they were living in Little Bromwich Road.
I also attended for 2 years in 1966/67, then migrated to Australia.
Does anyone have any memories to share?
Mark
Re: Alston Road School
Hello Dave and Geff,
In regards to the Beasley family, I am David Beasley and my dad Cyril Beasley took bets at the Broadway Pub. I lived with my family at 32 Foxwell Road until 1952 when I immigrated to America. I was born in 1936 and attended Alston Road Boys School. I had 2 older brothers, Ron Beasley who served in the Royal Navy and died on the HMS Exeter in 27 February 1942, and John Beasley who is 7 years my elder and served as an MP in Egypt in the late 1940's. I also had 1 older sister, Joan (now deceased) and a younger sister, Janet. Janet still lives near the neighborhood. A few of my mates were Terry Woodley, Alan Payne, Derek Taylor, Leslie Young, Morris Parker, Eric Clapton, and Sidney Spittle. Another mate, Stanley, immigrated to Canada when I immigrated to America. Would love to hear from anyone about the old days.
David Beasley
Hello Dave and Geff,
In regards to the Beasley family, I am David Beasley and my dad Cyril Beasley took bets at the Broadway Pub. I lived with my family at 32 Foxwell Road until 1952 when I immigrated to America. I was born in 1936 and attended Alston Road Boys School. I had 2 older brothers, Ron Beasley who served in the Royal Navy and died on the HMS Exeter in 27 February 1942, and John Beasley who is 7 years my elder and served as an MP in Egypt in the late 1940's. I also had 1 older sister, Joan (now deceased) and a younger sister, Janet. Janet still lives near the neighborhood. A few of my mates were Terry Woodley, Alan Payne, Derek Taylor, Leslie Young, Morris Parker, Eric Clapton, and Sidney Spittle. Another mate, Stanley, immigrated to Canada when I immigrated to America. Would love to hear from anyone about the old days.
David Beasley
Hallo David Beasley, We were neighbours years ago, my family lived at No. 38 Foxwell Road. I can remember your parents and Ron Joan and John, the rest of you no, not a trace. We left to live in Caldwell Road, a larger house in 1938 when I was 12. do you want to chat? I did know a lot of the folks who we would both have known. Looking forward to your reply. GEFF
Carolina the Derek Taylor I knew lived a few houses down from mine on Foxwell Road. He was tall with blonde hair and loved to ride bikes like I did. We would ride our bikes to Warwick Castle, Stratford On Avon, Kenilworth, and many other places. We would go as a group of maybe 6 or 8 of us. Lots of good times.
David
David
Geff, I am delighted that you remember my family. You would have been in age between Joan and John. I am still learning to navigate here but will try to message you.
Hi Geff
I went to the infant and junior school during the 50s, prior to Saltley Grammar School, but my Uncle Dick went to senior boys' school before the war, his name was Richard (Dick) Dunford. He also attended St.Paul's church where he met (and married during the war) my Aunty Ev (Evelyn - nee Webb) from Caldwell Road. Sadly both he and my aunt died several years ago, but I am still in touch with their son, my cousin Pete who now lives in Whitebrook just outside Monmouth.
David, different Derek. Carol
Hello Reg,
I came across your post from 2007 and I'm hoping that you're still a part of this great site. I recently posted here last week in the hope of tracing some old friends of my dad's, (Alec Rose) it's a long shot I know - especially at 93. He lived in Denville crescent from 1927 and went to Alston road school from around 1931 to 1940 before heading into the Navy at Portsmouth.
His friends, were Ken Gater who also joined him in the Navy, John Gillman and Dennis Jolly. I understand from Master Brummie they have all now passed, sadly.
I contacted Alston road school on Friday to se if thy had any of his old school reports. They have old ledgers that are archived and so they're going to take a look and let me know. The school were extremely helpful and have asked dad to go into the school this week and have a chat with the Head and a little walk around, which we are very much looking forward to. Does anyone have any photos of Denville crescent from the mid 1920/30's?
Thanks for any help...
Gary
I was reminded of Alston Rd School earlier today when listening to an interview with the newly appointed conductor of the CBSO. One of my most vivid memories of my time at the junior school was a concert for us by 4 members of the brass section of the orchestra. We were all fascinated and amused by the trombonist clearing his instrument onto the hall floor. Music played quite a big role in the school day then. I went there in 1953. We played triangles, cymbals, tambourines, castanets etc following coloured notes on the board with teacher on the piano. A couple of us had the job of dusting round the piano in the hall. Our reward was to go to the headmistress to be given a small bag of boiled sweets shaped like fish.
Hi everyone. I am a teacher at Alston Primary School (Alston road). As part of our Birmingham celebration day that we have coming up, I thought it would be lovely to look at Alston Primary school from the past. I know the building was used as a boys school but other than that finding information on the site is hard. Does anyone have any information at all ? I was wondering whether you may have pictures or stories that I could share with the children. It would also we wonderful if anyone fancied doing an interview or a having a chat about the school in the past.
Hopefully awaiting your responses.
Mrs Mayo
Hopefully awaiting your responses.
Mrs Mayo
Welcome Mrs Mayo
If you’ve not already found this, the British History Online description is below in italics. If you use their reference, please remember to quote the source. Here’s the link https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/warks/vol7/pp501-548#p23
“ALSTON ROAD COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL, Bordesley Green. Alston Rd. Council Sch. I dept. opened 1926 by Birm. C.B.C. Accom. 400. Blocks opened 1927 for 800 B, G. Altered and reorganized 1931–2 for SB (in former B block), JM (in G block), and I. SB dept. became a separate sch. 1945 Accom. 1961: 17 classrooms, 2 halls.
ALSTON ROAD BOYS' COUNTY MODERN SCHOOL, Bordesley Green. Became a separate sch. 1945 N.o.b. 1961: 410”
Viv.
If you’ve not already found this, the British History Online description is below in italics. If you use their reference, please remember to quote the source. Here’s the link https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/warks/vol7/pp501-548#p23
“ALSTON ROAD COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL, Bordesley Green. Alston Rd. Council Sch. I dept. opened 1926 by Birm. C.B.C. Accom. 400. Blocks opened 1927 for 800 B, G. Altered and reorganized 1931–2 for SB (in former B block), JM (in G block), and I. SB dept. became a separate sch. 1945 Accom. 1961: 17 classrooms, 2 halls.
ALSTON ROAD BOYS' COUNTY MODERN SCHOOL, Bordesley Green. Became a separate sch. 1945 N.o.b. 1961: 410”
Viv.