When we lived on the Oakmount estate in the 70s, our son first went to Mrs Vincent’s nursery school at the Methodist Church Hall Fryern Hill.
He then started infant school in the annex with Mrs Moye at Kings Road School Chandler’s Ford (She always ran the sweet stall at the school’s annual fete, held at Merdon Avenue School).
The Headmistress was Mrs Merle K Chacksfield. She was a well-known writer and some of her books are still on sale. We kept in touch until she died in Swanage where she retired with her husband Bob.
There was Mrs Wade who was remembered for her wicker basket. Ms Nina York. Mrs Watts was her deputy and the music teacher was Miss Patricia Binns, an operatic singer. There was a very high emphasis on music and there was always a piece of classical music playing when the children went into assembly.
Kings Road School – a very happy school
It was a very happy school and parents were very involved in all aspects of school life. There were evenings for the parents and coffee mornings for the mums.
Our son’s first teacher in the main school was Mrs Ashford, who sadly died of cancer. There was a memorial garden planted in her memory.
Walking to Merdon Junior School
My son then went to Merdon Avenue Junior School and subsequently to Toynbee secondary school.
There was an off road path, from Kingsway through to Brownhill Road, then onto Merdon Avenue School over a little bridge which crossed a stream, which the children enjoyed.
We sometimes bumped into a famous plant collector (Roy Lancaster) on the way who at that time had his own television show, his house was at the end of the path.
A little sweety shop
Not long after our son left Kings Road then our daughter started there. She had been to Mrs Race’s nursery school in Kings Road. We had by that time moved to a close near Chalvington Road. It was quite a walk to both schools but we spent the time going through spellings and times tables.
We enjoyed seeing the changing seasons on our walk which was a mile to Merdon Avenue School. On the way home there was a little sweety shop run by Mrs Clough on the Parade; she loved the children going in there.
100th anniversary of the founding of Kings Road School
When our daughter was at Kings Road School there was the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the school, the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer, followed by the retirement of Mrs Chacksfield, so plenty of opportunities to get the dressing up box out!
We were very fortunate at this school in having the support of Lady Pamela Mountbatten from Broadlands who sometimes came to these events.
Remembering teachers from Merdon School
The teachers remembered at Merdon Avenue Junior School in the late 70s/early 80s were: first year Ms Wingate, second year Mrs Green, third year, and Mr Wade and Mrs Purcell both fourth year teachers.
There was also Mr Long, Ms Hanks, Mr Williams, and we think Mrs Brown the music teacher. The head was Mr Dickinson who loved Polo mints. There again music was high on the curriculum and there were some very talented children.
Two well-known footballers lived nearby and were occasional visitors – Lawrie McMenemy and Kevin Kegan, much to the delight of the children.
My son joined the Chandler’s Ford Chameleons
At Toynbee Comprehensive School our son went into the acting group and was in The Wizard of Oz, which he loved. One of the leads was Elio Pace, who appeared on a TV talent show and continues to work in the music industry and is currently touring in the UK.
As a result of this first acting experience our son joined the Chandler’s Ford Chameleons and appeared in several plays during his teenage years.
While our son was busy with acting, our daughter, along with several school friends, had joined the Eastleigh Senators, which was a marching band. It took up a lot of summer weekends culminating in an appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in London!
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Related posts:
Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s (Part 1)
Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Paper Boy; North End School (Part 2)
Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: The Big Freeze in 1963 (Part 7)
Christmas Then and Now
Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Bikes, Boats, and Adventures (Part 10)
I too remember Kings Road School when I started there in the mid sixties when Mrs Lovell was Headmistess- she had a small black poodle dog and we had to line up outside her office to read to her and got a sweet if we were good!
I was in Mrs Watts class and I now don’t remember the other names- Mrs Olds was my brother’s teacher and I remember it all very well – it was a happy school.
Going on the Merdon Avenue (as it was known then) the headmaster was the scary but lovely Mr Harold Mann. Looking back he was just like Captain Mainwaring in Dad’s Army! I started in Mrs Hilton and Mrs Austins class, then Miss Wingate- then Mrs Horsefield and then Mrs Wade and I too remember her wicker basket!
I remember so so much about growing up in Hursley Road and going to the fields of Ramalley and spending all day out in the sun, riding bikes and making dens.
I was a regular visitor to Ford Farm near Deans and probably pestered Captain Fortune to distraction to let me ‘play horses’ in his old stable yard. His sisters used to live in the house we lived in so he was always very kind.
I still remember my walks to school, down Brownhill Road and Merrieleas Drive towards Kings Road and the walk that seemed miles the full length of Brownhill Road to Merdon Avenue school – all on my own or picking up other friends en route – that wouldn’t happen now at the age of 6-11!
I also remember being sent to the Butchers opposite Deans – called Vernon and Tear and especially the sawdust on the floor and horrible smell of meat that made me – when I was old enough to choose, made me a vegetarian.
I also remember taking my bike to be repaired at Mr Latham’s repair shop at the top end of Hursley Road and walking the whole way to The Precinct for my Nana who lived with us and sent me on lots of tries and errands to ‘save her legs’!
It seems like yesterday and I remember most the long long summers and the utter freedom – most of all I recall knowing everyone and having wonderful times at St Boniface Choir, going to quiz evenings in the Ritchie Hall and later, discos at St Boniface Hall and Brickfield Lane discos too.
I still feel like I know CF but of course on my rare visits back it now seems small and Hursley Road short and narrow! The huge house in Hursley Road now seems small, dark and set back much further than I recall but of course in those days I had short legs and a bike with no gears!
I also remember my brother being a paper boy for Mr McMahons news agents and my only horrible memory is of Mr Inge – the Dentist in Hursley Road – who gave me way too many horrific fillings as a child and then gave me sweets in the way out! Dreadful! So so many memories and I could go on forever!
Good to hear from you, Louise. St Boniface Choir is still flourishing, and tonight will be singing in a special Eucharist for Ascension Day.
My headmaster at King’s Road, like yours, was Mr Harold Mann, whose resemblance to Captain Mainwaring was indeed striking. We were even sometimes informed during assemblies that we were on parade.
Best wishes.
Hugh
How funny Hugh!
Mr Mann (I’m ashamed to say when we’re 8 years old we knew him as ‘Pop Man”) will always be in my memory – he lived in Brownhill Road and he was a lovely man – when out of school…..he must have been quite old when he retired, but, he is very much still in my heart – such a character I believe he did have a Cane in his office: (though I never felt the weight of it…)
Re the Choir, I loved it and actually thought I could sing! It has stood me in good stead as I still know almost all the words to hymns by heart. I particularly loved the Passiontide services and can still belt out St Patricks Breastplate- ‘I bind unto myself today’ etc etc….
Your organ playing was wonderful, memorable and inspiring after all this time, and I am so blessed to know that some things never change….I do wonder what became of the Hibbs family and particularly Claire, my partner in crime? I think Rev and Mrs went to the Channel Islands but have never heard of Claire since. I also recall a boy friend of mine, Timothy Larner who was a fabulous boy soprano?? Along with Michael Haxton who was rather tall and seemed terribly clever to me back then when I was about 10 years old!
Everyone in the choir as so kind to me as I was a very little girl but rarely missed a practice or even 3 services including Matins on every second Sunday?? (that could be a little dull I recall as it seemed to be mostly Psalms) and I do remember that you must have had the patience of a saint!
So good to catch up and I stumbled on this site entirely by mistake!
Me too Louise! Hi … how are you? Loved reading your pieces, so many memories.
Sandra Lewis (nee Murison)
Hello Sandra!
How good to hear to hear from you. It all seems 100 years ago now but of course I recall you well..I surprise myself with just how much I do remember sometimes. I can see your house on the corner of the close – did you live near Judith Cummins? And the glamourous Hannigans!! Im doing a trip up and down the road in my head with Teresa Dodson and Helen Watson a bit further up! How has life treated you Sandra? Are you in touch with anyone I might remember…..I can see us all now waiting by the Mountbatten Bus stop but some names are fading…..I am – like you – I guess, mid fifites (HOW did that happen?) I have 2 boys now aged 24/26 and have been married 28 years and live in Norfolk – but looking to move back south now as the house is now way too big and times change. I lived most of life in Sussex and then moved up here 6 years ago…..my eldest went to Winchester College so I did visit CF a few times, mainly to take a trip down memory lane 🙂 All so odd, isnt it, this looking back 🙂 ?
Do tell me your news…Im guessing you are still local in CF? What are you up to? Life really is very short and now I know what all those old people used to tell us….I do remember your Dad for some reason….a Scot! Am I right there or is my mind playing tricks!!
Do drop me a line and I hope this finds you and your family all well…..
Best of wishes, Louise Warner (I never changed my name despite being married to a Zuckermann for 28 years!! Do you blame me??)
Louise! I am so sorry to have only just seen this, more than two years after you wrote it! How lovely to hear from you and what lovely memories! I think, like me, you are rather a nostalgic!
I am wondering if you might be on Facebook. I will look in a moment and see if I can find you!
Life has been good on the whole. I married Mark Lewis (two years above us at Mountbatten) in 1985 at the church in Kings Road, next to the school). We met when I was assistant manageress at Andersons newsagents on Hiltingbury Road. We have one son, Alexander, born in 1993. We live in the Titchfield area, near Fareham and have done since we married. I am a support assistant at a local school but it must be almost time to retire!!
You remember correctly … my wonderful Scottish father passed away in 2015 and my dear mum (also a Scot) in 2011. Life has never been quite the same …
I related to every memory you wrote. How I wish I could go back to those days … Funnily enough I was in CF this week, visiting a few people. Our home at 1 Neilson Close has been transformed beyond recognition by the current owners, very beautiful though and they are lovely people. Judith Cummins lived at number 2. I am still in contact with Theresa and Helen as well as a few others from school.
I remember your house with the monkey puzzle tree in the front garden! I could go on for a long time …
Ok, I’m going to check Facebook and see if you’re there. If not, I may come back to you here …
Sandra x
Great memories and stories. Am glad dentistry has improved significantly since!
I lived at 115 Hursley Road from 1963 to 1978! Love this site 🙂
Louise,
Glad you love this site.
Your comment is so fascinating, and it’s worth another blog post. If you have got photographs, I’m happy to turn it into a blog post so that your story appears more properly as a new article.
I’m glad Betty’s memory has triggered your fond memories.
I know the paths that Betty and you mentioned. I also walked to school with my son years ago, and always admired other people’s beautiful front gardens. We also identified a house which we called ‘a ghost house’ as it was in such a dilapidated state.
Thank you both for sharing.
So few photos in those days and if I had any they are lost sadly….
I lived almost on the corner of Valley Road junction with Hursley Road and then, the view was of open fields….it’s now part of Millers Dale??
I kept my pony at Vinings Farm (Hiltingbury Farm) that’s now a Pub….I still recall the saddest time in 1967(?) when Foot and Mouth hit – I can remember the farmer, Mr Vining, crying as he lost his Jersey herd….I spent my entire childhood riding my pony and bike and galloped the pony on the grass verge opposite our house….
I remember everyone’s names, all the neighbours, all long gone now, and I have only one friend left who never moved from CF. In my head I recall the geography of the roads and my routes….all punctuated with school friends’ house and many who I would pop round to play with.
I was in Brownies, guides and the choir and looking back, it was all so sunny!
A sure sign of getting old 🙁
Betty Brooking’s article about School Days in Chandler’s Ford brought back several memories for me, and although my days as a scholar at King’s Road were from 1939 to 1941, some of the things mentioned by Betty don’t appear to have changed very much since I left the ‘Village’ back in 1966.
The staff were, of course, all different in 1939, but I still remember my first teacher, Mrs. Bourne, my second teacher, Mrs. Empringham, the Head Mistress, Miss Golding (respectfully known as ‘Granny Golding’ to us littlelies), Mrs Drover and Mr. Lush.
Although I was moved from King’s Road aged 7½, to Nethercliffe School in Winchester, I was to renew my association with King’s Road, and also with Merdon Avenue, when I met Diane Wilmott in 1952. Diane was a teacher for a short while at King’s Road, before she transferred to the ‘Camp School’ in Hiltingbury Road. Diane was one of two teachers at that school, the other being Miss Jean Wingate, who later moved to Merdon Avenue Junior School.
I married Diane and 3 of our own children all went to King’s Road and then on to Merdon Avenue, under the Headmastership of Mr. Mann.
Jean Wingate became a family friend, and although we lost touch after our move to Western Australia, I often wondered how she fared.
Louise your recollection of the Foot and Mouth at Hiltonbury Farm is, I can say, fortunately not correct as our Jersey Herd never contracted the disease and my nephew Oliver Neagle (Son of Heather Whitham nee Vining) is now lookig after 140 Jerseys all going back to our herd started by my Father in 1947.
Hiltonbury Jerseys
Hiltonbury Jerseys (Facebook page)
What was your surname then Louise as my sisters, Jennifer, Janet & Heather all used to ride their ponies then and I remember a lot of the girls who used to keep their ponies at the Farm.
I certainly remember Vernon and Tear the butcher and next door was Duval Clearners and around 1968 I opened a greengrocers next door and Dudleys newagents was also there in that small parade of Shops opposite Deans just down from Eric Inge The dentist who I knew very well as Uncle Eric!!
In 1970 I went back to live in Ramalley Cottages and took over running Hiltonbury Farm and the Jersey herd until the farm was taken for building in 1976.
My Sister Heather then took over the herd and moved it to Velmore Farm (Opposite ASDA’s) until she retired and Oliver then took over and mover the main cattle to Botley where they are today. His Brother Julian Neagle still farms at Velmore and has Horses at livery, runs all the young jerseys and rears Goats there as well.
Whoops Andy,
That’s my memory being dreadful – all I can recall is treading through troughs of disinfectant everywhere we stepped when at the farm, and your Father (I assume – the lovely Mr Vining, who my mother plied with Whiskey) was I do recall terribly upset as the disease was all around, it felt. I remember the Ministry Vet also being around a lot of the time at Hawstead as well (Mrs Corbetts) just past Hook Woods.
I remember the Pace brothers also, all 3 of them with their very very old Mother….and the smell of Wrights Coal Tar soap!
Perhaps it was my Mother who was in tears at the loss of livestock!
I recall Mr Vining well, what a character! I remember his Alsatian dog having a bit of a fight and turning the hose on him and the other dog…Was he also a councillor? I might be wrong there as well. I was always Louise Warner….though married I have never changed. I was good friends with Julie Sherwood, Simon’s then girlfriend, and also Sheila Berry – though that was in the mid 70s more when we all had ponies at the Farm.
I went to many a Young Farmers club ‘do’ with Simon and Julie and a whole lot of other people whose names are gone from my memory. My mother was regularly at the farm, usually getting wonderful fresh cream. It’s so lovely to know that there are surviving Vinings, and I am so sorry for the error….
On a lighter note, I was most relieved when Mr Inge retired! I remember the Bedlington Terrier Una that he and Mrs Inge kept….unfortunately, Eric was another of my Mother’s friends so she made me go to him every 4 months!! I think the house they lived in with the surgery in the front room, is now a Nursing/Residential home? Lovely to hear from you and it’s so much fun in memory lane Chandler’s Ford.
That’s not a problem Louise, just like to keep the record straight!
Reading your post though I believe that your memory and detail if far better than mine as I don’t remember my Dad drinking at all so that’s a secret out in the open. He was indeed a Hampshire County Councillor for fifteen years and retired in 1976 when the farm was taken for building and they went to live in Stoke Gaberiel in Devon.
I have passed your name along to my brother Simon for his recollections of that time and his Girlfriends!!
You are correct that there were disinfectant barriers up the drive to Hiltonbury and it was indeed a very worrying and distressing time for all farmers with livestock.
I was a leader for The Winchester Young Farmers in the 1960s and that was where I met my Wife of 52 years. I think the young farmers was a bit of a marriage beureau.
Talking of my brother on the day he was born I had been up at the cricket field playing around after I had mowed the grass with a Gang mower and my faithful old Ferguson tractor TED20. I was with so “Friends” (No names No packdrill) and one was chucking his pen knife into the ground. It slipped (I think) and ended up in my arm. I was rushed back home where the Local nurse and midwife had just delivered Simon. She was able to stitch me up no problem sat in the farmhouse kitchen and I still have the scar to this day.
I just wonder if an event such as that happened today, probably armed police involved, helicopters, court, probation, offending boy into care and heaven knows what else.
I always used to carry a seven inch double sided sheath knife everywhere I went on the farm as it was a very necessary tool for opening bales and many other tasks. I might say a lifelong habit I still have today as I often carry a pocket knife as it is a very useful tool to carry and used every day.
Going back even further I was also the mascot for the Chandler’s Ford Cricket club as this photograph shows. I was about 8 at the time.
The Sun was shining every day on Hiltonbury Farm as I remember.
Oh wow! Such memories have come flooding back after reading this. My first teacher at King’s Road was Mrs Powell. I have vivid flashbacks of getting in trouble with Mrs Chacksfield for hiding in the cupboard from the teacher after break one time. Poor Mrs Powell was beside herself! Mrs Dunn the school cook was a lovely jolly woman. I could have done without the semolina and prunes though….
Love this! I went to Kings Road and Merdon Avenue in early 80s. There was the “Annexe” for the reception children just up from Kings Road with the playground in front – can’t remember my teachers names though! Then I had Mrs Watts and Mrs Emmington (!?) in the main building. I remember Mrs Chacksfield. She always gave us an update on the “migrating birds” that seemed to nest in that house where I always thought she lived!? I remember when she retired (I think it was her) – she was presented with 2 lamps in assembly. I remember the little sports days on the grass in front of that house. I remember someone used to stand outside the hall and ring a bell for playtime/dinner time. Then I went to Merdon Avenue. It was Mr Dickens who was the headmaster…..I think he got Alzheimer’s which was quite noticeable (apparently) before he retired. My teachers were Mrs Pritchard/Mrs Purcell in the first year, then Mr Williams, then Mr Steele, then Mrs Morgan (who was scary – you wouldn’t mess around with her!). I also remember Mrs Brown (who seemed to be a music teacher), and Mr Long who had a big beard and glasses and always carried his guitar around with him! I remember doing the “week away” in the 4th year to Shropshire – and staying in the hostel there!
Oooo I remember the trip to Shropshire. Iron bridge and all the other smelting works etc. I vaguely remember there was a tuck shop near the front door where we were staying. Going for walks and playing rounders in the park. I have some photos which I’m going to post with my story growing up in Chandler’s Ford.
What an amazing read, I lived at 54 Hursley Road from 1964 to 1972 and then moved to Wychwood Grove so I was in the catchment area for Thornden. The house backed onto the field and my brother and I played in the small cops, climbed the Hay Bales, picked blackberries from the hedges lining the back gardens of the houses that ran down to the farm. We used to walk through the field to the train line and then the stream until dad saw an Adder and told us not to go down that far again. Dad used to take us to Deans Hardware and my brother Michael and I played on the double swing under the big willow tree round the back. I also remember the saw dust at the butchers shop and the craft and hobby shop at the precinct.
Sadly can’t remember to much about school and teachers names but do remember going the Nursey School behind the church in Park Road then onto the infants school where I can remember being taught how to use and knife and fork. Sitting in rows in the morning saying the Lords Preyer stands out in my mind too. Then of course when we got into the 3rd year of the Infants we were all taken to the zoo for the day which was so exciting. Mum used to walk us down Hursley Road to the small cut through to Park Road near Dr Watsons old house.
I was at Merdon Avenue when they put in the 4 new classrooms at the back. Mr Conway was my teacher for my last year which I think was the year we went to Stubbington for school camp. I was in Rufus and wore my red ribbon with pride even though I wasn’t a fast runner.
I moved away from Chandlers Ford in 1983 and now live in Perth Australia. Sadly memories fade over time and I so wish I could remember more about my childhood. I’ll be back this Christmas, the first in 35 years and so looking forward to walking through the lakes and picking leaves off the hedges like I used to do on my walks to school.
Louise Pringle (Bramah)
This website brings back some memories! I was at Kings Road Primary School in the late 1970s. I started in the annex and I remember when we walked – hand in hand – wearing our Tufty road safety badges – to visit the main building. I also remember celebrating (for some reason) the anniversary of William Walker who saved the foundations of Winchester Cathedral. I was dressed up as the Bishop of Winchester wearing improvised robes which were made of curtain fabric. I also remember Merdon Avenue school. I recall Ms Hanks and Mr Long and it always seemed to me that they didn’t like children very much. I remember the excitement of the last day of term when we brought toys into the school. I remember the assemblies with Mr Dickens, the Headmaster. We filed into the hall to excepts from Swan Lake and the Nutcracker Suite. From there I went to Thornden School. I remember Mr Oakeshott and his slipper. I note from the internet that he published a religious tract after he retired. My favourite teacher was Roger Scott. He taught history and economics and he inspired me to greater things. I was shocked to read on the internet that he was subsequently accused of indecent assault resulting from his tenure at a previous school. I assume that the allegations were dropped because I cannot find anything else about this on the internet. I hope that the allegations were not true because I only have extremely positive memories of him. I don’t suppose anyone knows what happened? There was also an eccentric maths teacher called (I think) Mr Philips, and a teacher of English called (I think Mrs Wright?) who wore tight black leather trousers and was married to a physics teacher in the same school. I moved away from Chandlers Ford in the late 1980s and I have never returned.
Hello Philip Lucas! Do you remember me? I “taught” French and German at Thornden 1979 – 1993. I only found this site by accident by googling “Dr Sykes Thornden”. I too was surprised at the accusations against Roger Scott. I don’t believe them. I knew him well. I don’t know the follow-up. I may try to find out.
Mr Philips the maths teacher was also head of Albatross House, so, in a sense, my house head. He was very avuncular.
The tight-trousered dolly English teacher, if we’re thinking of the same one, married Bill Peace who became head of science. I can’t remember her maiden name. Everybody thought Bill Pearce had done alright because there was a considerable age difference!
During lockdown I went to a Facebook “Chandlersford memories” group to see if any old Thorndonians remembered me. I got over 100 replies and was moved to tears by the adoring comments! I’m off Facebook at the moment but I hope to get back in a couple of weeks and revive that thread of nostalgia.
Other names you might remember from Thornden: Mr Mike Smart (Head of Languages), Dave Beuret french teacher R.I.P. Jackie Bunn languages teacher.
Please feel free to contact me here and ask me anything.
Ralph Lane.
Mr Mann….”mind your backs”
Yes, “Old pop Mann”,”Don’t run in the corridor,hurry,hurry,hurry”!
My form teacher in the early sixties was Mr.Hobbs who managed to get me through the 11 plus,and was always encouraging.
I left the area soon after junior school but sometimes how friends I made there are getting on.
Oooo I remember the trip to Shropshire. Iron bridge and all the other smelting works etc. I vaguely remember there was a tuck shop near the front door where we were staying. Going for walks and playing rounders in the park. I have some photos which I’m going to post with my story growing up in Chandler’s Ford.
Was at Merdon Avenue from 69 – 71 joined Miss Wingates class (2nd year) and finished in Geoff Sykes class in 4th year. We were caned by Pop Mann for diving out the ground floor low windows during class! Later on i became one of the maniac milk monitors pushing vast crates of warm milk around on trolleys delivering to all the classes at break-neck speed – resulting in the scandal of the big crash (4 crates smashed!) – so they made my mates and me prefects as Pop Manns enforcers (so we thought). trips to the lakes and Ramalley featured high on the outside of school activities as well as tadpoling in the various CF streams.. what days! still friends with one of the guys from that time!