Barrow Hill Junior School

Heritage Project

Dear Site Members,

I am new to this part of London. I was appointed as Headteacher at Barrow Hill Junior School earlier this year and took up post in September 2013.

I was given a complete set of school log books dating back to 1875 by my Premises Manager during the Summer Holidays – they make fascinating reading! Funnily enough many of the issues that crop up in the books are still issues debated in the national press today. Others are very different; we do not emphasise daily sewing for girls to quite the same extent and I believe that we are free of rickets now at Barrow Hill!

I am very happy for interested local historians to see these books.

I am looking to put together a heritage project for the school. Having used these books and some photographs in assemblies in September I realised that the children havea very real interest in the lives of those who walked these corridors before them.

If you have any photographs or memories etc that you can share please do contact me at head@bhjs.co.uk

By the way, although I have some photos from Edwardian times and a couple from 1950’s there are lots of gaps – and also I have very few of the 1980’s and 1990’s -remember that for your average 7 year old even the 1990’s are ancient history (somewhat galling for a Headteacher of 1968 vintage!).

Sincerely,

David Tomlinson

Headteacher

Barrow Hill Junior School

PS this week I have added some pictures of a Remembrance Book from the First World War – it is beautifully handwritten and very poignant, especially in this week of 11th November. The book lists all names of former Barrow Hill pupils who fought between 1914-1918. Sadly there are many names on each page written in red ink, signifying that they did not return.

I wonder what became of those that did? If you have any information or memories or photographs please let us know.

 

This page was added on 08/11/2013.

Comments about this page

  • I attended BarrowHhill and Robinsfield in the 1950s. My teacher was Mr Perkins and head master Mr Porter..
    I can remember a few names, Pat Newman (father had a fruit and vegetable stall in Church Street market)
    Susan Harper, Robin Larkin and the Shaw twins who were exceptional at sports. We used to play in the “shed” at lunch times-Good memories

    By john larkins (15/03/2023)
  • Adrian Bergbaum 1957-62.

    My first recollection of Barrow Hill was the kindergarten which was in the ground floor of the building. As many of us couldn’t read, our coat hooks and places were marked with symbols, including our own cots for afternoon naps.
    I then went to Robinsfield until aged 7. I was there when the new block was being built which I believe is where the kindergardten moved to. My brother went there 5 years later. Exciting memories of the Kings Troop passing by the gates during break time and of having to demonstrate in front of the headteacher, ones mastery of shoe lace tying – a big milestone.

    I can’t remember too much about the first 3 years back at the Barrow Hill site but have vivid recollections of the 4th year with Mr Perkins. Whilst he was a great teacher, he didn’t believe in homework which I consider, in hindsight, a mistake. He used to create plays which we’d perform in front of the school and encourage us to do the same. On one occasion we did a radio play which was transmitted through the schools sound system. He interacted with other schools and we performed with them too. Through him I sang at the Royal Festival and Westminster Hall as a soprano which also marked the beginning and end my brief singing career.

    There were three halls. The middle one, or was it the lower one, was where we had lunch. On a Friday there was a film show with a variety of presentations in the upper hall. The two that stuck in my mind were the charge ( and massacre )of the French nobles at Agincourt from the 1944 film Henry V and a bloody battle of huge sealions fighting for supremacy on a beach. These were hugely popular and were regularly repeated. Unlikely choices today I would suggest.

    At the far end of the play ground, around the corner, was the shed which was adopted by the 4th year and fiercely defended. Many lunchtimes were spent in the church burial ground, once we were allowed out on our own. I left in 1962 to go to St Marylebone Grammar.

    Other members of staff I recall: Messers Nash, Porter, Johnson

    Fellow class members: Geoff Piggott , Barbara Harris, Beverly Tiliston, Racheal Khan, Simon Dellow ( Green), Alan Bass, Tamara ….., Derek …..

    By adrian bergbaum (24/02/2023)
  • We went to Barrow Hill School from 1951 to 1957. We remember the Infant school head Miss Edwards with not very fond memories. She used to make us eat the horrible school lunches by forcing a forkful of food into our mouths. We have happy memories of the lovely Miss Bates .
    Miss Glass was strict and unkind and HelenaI remembers being hit on the back of the legs by her. Rosalind found her terrifying!
    We both have fond memories of David Nash who was such an inspiring teacher. The headteacher Mr Porter was a kind and fair man.
    Fond memories of kiss chase in the burial ground across the road!
    We remember Sally Fisher, Rosamund Hall,Primavera Bowman and Linda Berger.
    Helena Kornreich and Rosalind Drucker.

    By Helena Spearman (07/01/2023)
  • I attended this school from 1946 until 1953, all I remember is a teacher called Mr Drew and that I sat behind Sam Wanamaker’s daughter, Abby.

    By Colin Richards (06/09/2022)
  • I attended Barrow Hill 1961-1963 and I remember Terry Farmer and David Hussey and David Rivers.
    Sorry to hear that Chris Davis and Dave Green have passed away.
    My cousin Herbie Lord also attended the school. My teachers were Mrs Kremmel and Mr Maddison. I remember Mr Perkins he used to shout at lot!
    I live in Sydney Australia

    By Pat Harris (04/07/2022)
  • Have further remembered that at the school at the same time as me was John Miles. He was the son of Bernard Miles – he of the long-gone Mermaid theatre at Blackfriars in central London. Bernard was also an actor and was appearing weekly in the radio series Educating Archie. John would inform us of the plot of the next week’s show. John went on to be a successful racing driver for Lotus cars. Sadly he died in 2018. He was born 10 days earlier than me.

    By William Edmead (21/02/2022)
  • Just saw on google maps that Barrow Hill Junior School still exists! I was there between I think 1950 to 1954. I can’t remember any names tho I have a clear mental picture of our class teacher. A man with something permanently wrong with his arm. I liked him a lot. I recall that I pretended to be Canadian – I have no idea why. Lunchtime was spent playing on a local bomb site. We lived in Maida Vale and I would be trusted to walk on my own across Edgware Road, up St John’s Wood Rd, past Lord’s cricket ground to school, and then back. Different days. Fond memories of the school.

    By William Edmead (04/01/2022)
  • Hi Terry if ever you want to contact me or any one else living in the Wood phone 07725544439 Take Care

    By David Hussey (10/10/2021)
  • Hi Terry
    I now live in East Sussex , still alive and kicking after open heart surgery. So sorry to hear about Chris and Dave. Did some work for Dave when he was property manager in Swiss Cottage. As for age catching up with you, I’m 70 in February. Hope all’s well with you and your family and enjoying Buckingham . Same as you no longer get down to the Wood , but have fond memories. Take care and hopefully be in touch again.

    By Dave Hussey (30/09/2021)
  • Hello Dave, nice to hear from you hope you’re keeping well, I am 70yrs old now and age is catching up with me a bit, but I’m Ok, I live in rural Buckinghamshire .
    Sadly I recently heard both Chris Davies and Dave Green have left us, I am still in contact with Chris Nicol, I never go back to the Wood now, but have happy memories of growing up there as I’m sure you do.
    Stay Well.
    Terry Farmer.

    By TERENCE FARMER (14/09/2021)
  • Nice to know that you are still about Terry. Hope all is well with you in these terrible times. Now live in East Sussex. Years ago since Barrow Hill , I expect it has changed a lot . They were good times . It would be nice to hear from you or anyone else who knew me at that time .

    By David Hussey (10/05/2021)
  • I remember two children getting knocked over on the crossing by the burial ground but I’ve never heard anyone else mention it, so I was beginning to think I imagined it, does anybody know who they were?

    By Terry Farmer (05/05/2021)
  • I along with my siblings attended both Barrow Hill and Robinsfield, starting nursery in 1955.
    At Barrow hill I was taught right through with David Nash, Mr Perkins was also teaching the same year, Mr Porter was head master and the secretary was Pamela.
    My years spent there were mostly extremely happy, however around 1958/1959 two children were hit on the crossing near Lords, and one child died, it sticks in my mind to this day, and I wonder if others remember it?
    I have thoroughly enjoyed other peoples memories and photos and thank you for sharing:: my husband and family have been living in Australia for more than 40 years but I never tire of reading about the wood and the good old days.
    Regards
    Pam Bishop ( née Davies)

    By Pam (29/04/2021)
  • I attended the school 1945-1951 and I would love to hear from anyone who attended at the same time as me.

    Joan Dwyer

    By Joan Shrimpton (01/02/2021)
  • I was at Barrow Hill School during the 50’s. My father before me was also at Barrow Hill. Our Head Teacher was Mr Porter and I remember Mrs. Sadler, Mrs Kremmel and Mr Perkins. It was a time of extreme hardship following the War. So many bomb sites. Rationing etc., etc.
    Today Robinsfield School (if it still there) was built on the site of the huge bomb that dropped on Henstridge Place destroying the road right up to Ordnance Hill (then Road).
    It is well recorded in these notes.

    By Robert John Brown (16/12/2020)
  • Having searched this wonderful site I have found reference to Becketts Place and the Lawrie Family (my ancestors) but the link won’t open. It appears that the old post references the Lawrie sons during WW1 and Barrow Hill School.

    I would love to read the full story.

    Thanks

    Jason Smith
    Helen.jason@btinternet.com

    By Jason Smith (26/07/2020)
  • Does anyone have any knowledge at all of the Beevor family? the father was Private James Robert who fought 14-18, mother Mary Ann (Annie) son Jimmy, daughters Lilly, Dolly, Nelly, Violet. Dad died in 1920 from war wounds and Jimmy (my dad) was about 6. They lived at 49 Charles Lane, NW8

    By Rosalind Henfrey (16/01/2018)
  • I was at Barrow Hill from around 1960 to 1965, my English teacher was Miss Johnson. Does  anyone know me ?? Love to find someone from my class. 

    By Alan swain (12/01/2017)
  • Are there any staff registers for the 1960s still in existence? I attended Barrowhill school from 1963 until 1968 and would love to learn more details about three great teachers.

    Could you give me any details such as first names, when they started working at the school and when they left ?

    Mrs Krummel, my year 1 and 2 teacher, Mrs Sadler, my year 3 and 4, and Miss Williams my games teacher, who taught us how to swim in the small swimming pool in the basement.

    The first two teachers were nearing retirement age, I think, but Miss Williams was young. Sadly I recall that she died young.

     Lorraine Dalgleish

    By Lorraine Dalgleish (02/01/2017)
  • I was at Barrow Hill from 1951 to 1953 coming to the school from a school in Uddingston, Lanarkshire. I was one of the “railway children” namely children of railway employees who lived in railway flats in St Johns Wood; others I recall were Ann Mead and Elizabeth Dunbar. I am still in touch with Ann.

    My teacher during the two years including eleven plus was Mr. Grew. I was part of the school football team and I remember the Saturday morning matches in Regents Park – the star of the team was a centre forward called Sidney Hurrey, the undertakers son. I also remember the celebrations at the school for the Coronation and my sword and cape!!

    Another correspondent has referred to the Indian High Commisioner’s son – I thought his name was Chandra but I could be wrong but I remember going to a party at his house – to me at 10 years old it was a world away from what I was used to.

    I also recall being part of a guard of honour of cubs and brownies at the tube station for the arrival of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth – failed to be spoken to by either – also in the guard of honour were Michael Loan and John ? Woodhead who I think were also at Barrow Hill

    After eleven plus I went to a school near Watford commuting from St John’s Wood for a couple of years but as it was a six day a week school I lost all my contacts in St John’s Wood and then we moved away.

    By Mike Armstrong (13/12/2016)
  • Rosemary,

    I also remember you.

    Would be good to meet up.

    Please email me darius.sarosh@blueyonder.co.uk

    Darius Sarosh

     

     

    By Darius sarosh (04/10/2016)
  • I was class of 2009 Barrow Hill I would really like to talk to someone that went to Barrow Hill around the 1950s as it is  really fascinating my email is : Sadik24680@gmail.com Thank you

    By shafi (09/05/2016)
  • Can anyone tell me whether the admission books for the school still exist. I am keen to know if George and Alfred Sangster attended the school in the late 1890s and early 1900s, and also George Alfred Thompson who was born in 1929.

    By Charmian Thompson (12/01/2016)
  • I too was at Barrow Hill 1951-’57 and remember Darius and Miss Johnson and her kindness to the Hungarian refugees who arrived in our final year. Also Miss Bates and the music and movement and lots more. Maybe a reunion most of us must be 70 this year !

    By Rosemary (08/01/2016)
  • I went to Barrow Hill school 1947-1953. As I always say I cannot remember a better time in my life as when I was at school, loved every minute of it. Anyone who remembers me please please contact me, can’t wait for a reply, thanks,  Kenny Poulton.

    By Kenny poulton (28/08/2015)
  • Hi – I was at Barrow Hill in the 1950s and the Headteacher was Mr Porter.  I had a very happy time there, and we had lots of refugees from the war who were very thin and needed building up.  They had extra milk at break time and extra cod liver oil – I remember Michael Nieto, who was Spanish, and a boy from Sofia.  On the opposite side, we also had Sanjib Sharma, who was the Indian High Commissioner’s son, and a New Zealand girl, Miriam Margolyes, who was exceptionally clever – she loved Chopin!  Can you imagine a more varied class. When I look back, it is amazing. I can remember being very good at reading, and so would help those who were a bit behind by listening to them reading. I was Baboushka in a play called “Six Who Pass While the Lentils Boil” and was a member of the Quiz Team in my final year. Because I was born at the end of July, I was the youngest in the class, but Barrow Hill did wonders for me.  I missed a long stretch of education when I was 7 as I had Rheumatic Fever, but thanks to the NHS I got through it with no side effects. There was a wonderful Jewish boy in our class, called Michael or Matthew something, and he was very clever.  I am sure he must have become a successful professional of some sort.  I had a wonderful start in life at Barrow Hill, and met such a cosmopolitan variety of children, which influenced me greatly.  I am 68 now, and still look back on my days at Barrow Hill as very happy and fulfilling. Keep up the good work. 

    By Julia Hill (nee Sullivan) (18/08/2015)
  • I don’t have photos but do remember the mayday festival when we all had to wear white..would love to hear from the twins  Ann and Eileen Murphy or their children. We were best friends while at that school, but they moved away when they pulled down the prefabs and we lost touch

    By Seaspirit Christie (16/12/2014)
  • I was called Margaret Thomas most of the time I was at this school when the headmaster was called Mr Porter, but don’t remember much, mainly the little cots for the afternoon nap in nursery class.  I started when I was 4 as Margaret Tucker.

    My best friends were twins Anne and Eileen Murphy, would love to hear from them or their children.

     

    By Seaspirit Christie (11/12/2014)
  • Hello, not long come across this post and I have seen that a photo of my school days has been used which is fantastic. I am in the colour photo. It is in the 80’s I am third along on the bottom row. It is on my Facebook page of Barrow Hill. Absolutely loved Barrow Hill when I attended. Miss Fenton was our Head Teacher at the time. Firm but fair! Great memories and I am still in contact with people that I made friends with in Barrow hill. So that must say something about the School. I no longer live in London, but one day when I return I will go down memory lane. Thank you for putting this up. 

    By Donna Steele (04/09/2014)
  • I was a pupil between 1952 to 1957. I was the the first Asian to attend  the school.   My teacher was Miss Johnson who taught me from  the age of 7 to 11.  The grounding and the principles it taught me were excellent.

     

    By Darius Sarosh (18/07/2014)
  • David Barrett and I visited Barrow Hill yesterday, and were made so welcome by the head, teaching staff and especially the children. Many thanks to all concerned.

    By Molly Turner (01/03/2014)
  • I attended Barrow Hill from 1951 to 1957 and have recently met with two other pupils from my class Ann Kemp and only yesterday Molly Turner. If any other ex-pupils remember me , Ann or Molly we would love to hear from you. Teachers remembered – Miss Bates, Mr Grew, Mr Nash, Miss Glass, Mrs Sadler and Mr Perkins.

    By David Barrett (23/01/2014)
  • I was at Barrow Hill from 1951 – 1957 and would love to contact any old classmates.

    By Molly Turner (12/01/2014)
  •  I think one of my teachers was called Mr. Thomas and he taught me to write Italic. I learned the guitar there and the school played in a London theatre. I have lots of memories of the school. D

    By Doris Sheridan (Ivey) (24/12/2013)
  • Hello Jeff, I’d be very interested in seeing those pictures and I am setting up a working party at Barrow Hill to build up a Heritage Project. Best wishes, David

    By David Tomlinson (18/12/2013)
  • Hi David, I think I may have some photos from the 1979/80’s, as myself and brother went to the school. I will see if I can dig them out for you.

    By jeff wayling (22/11/2013)
  • I think some who had returned might have fought again in WW2 and some may have also died in that war.

    By Muhannad Tingari 6T (17/11/2013)

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