Prior to being at Copthorne
Prior to being at Copthorne
Below are some photos of primary school pupils many of whom later became pupils at Copthorne. All were taken at Whitmore Park unless otherwise stated.
Taken at Whitmore Park in the early 50s - hopefully more details will follow.
Whitmore Park circa 1952/3
Whitmore Park July 1954
Keresley Grange School circa 1953 - teacher E. Henstead
Whitmore Park 1950/51
- the teacher was Mr. Thomas (a Welshman) some of the pupils identified as being in the photo are: Roger Smith, Brian Harris, Roy Watkins , Frank Scanlon, Norm Jones, Norman Tideswell, Susan Woodward, George and Janet Rushton and Sylvia Yarrow
The following four photographs of Whitmore Park pupils in the early 1950s have been provided by Shirley Smith (née Judd) who was one of the shool's first pupils.
Shriley dates this photograph as being the 6th January 1951 - four days before the official opening of the school. Clearly the pupils were entrance by what they were watching - but just what were they watching?
Another photograph Shirley dates as being the 6th January, 1951 - pupils of various ages some with their mothers seemingly - and one man!. It may have been winter but the boys are still wearing shorts! Shirley identifies herself as being in the front row with the cross straps over the jumper. (She can also be spotted in the photo above.)
Was this an early performance of Oklahoma? - or an adaption of Quiet Flows the Don?
Mrs. Johnson's class 1954.
Mr. William's Hillman Minx taken around 58/59
Taken at Whitmore Park School 58/59.
Amongst the boys are - Michael Hodgkins - Stuart Wilks - Paul Gregory.
Gordon or Brian Birks - Colin Stowe Ralph Burgess.
58/59 - Front Row. . L/R ? - Celia Glue-Rita Jones -? - Ann Skelcher
Back Row L/R ?-?- Jacalyn Farren -Carol Easterlow -?- ?
The above two photographs were taken in 1956, and judged by the desks in two separate class classrooms. Each child if they are still alive will now be a pensioner!
Taken around 1955. Includes (front row in the mouse costume) Derek Leadbeater who supplied the photo John Thomas - Gale Howard - Celia Glue - Jacalyn Farren,
George Waldren - Paul Gregory - Lesile Phillips and Brian Birks.
Leslie Smithers adds: I'm standing next to my best pal - John Thomas - who is standing next to Gail Howard. I became pals with John before we started school - and we're still best mates today! John is dressed as a donkey, I'm dressed as a rabbit and Gail was dressed as an angel. The occasion was the Christmas show of 1954 - if my memory serves me right.
Another Whitmore Park navity play this time in 1954
Whitmore Park again - some time in the 50s and clearly Christmas time once more.
Mr Williams' fourth year class, Whitmore Park, 16th May 1960 (the date is on the blackboard). The boy at the front of the class is Gordon Birks. Derek Leadbeater who was in Mr. Williams' class provided the photo.