He had amassed material from various sources including the Headmaster himself, Dennis Beacham, who died only two years later.
In this post, you’ll see precious historical images of the school, its teachers and pupils, and Lord Montgomery renaming the school in 1968.
Mr Dennis Beacham, former headteacher of Montgomery of Alamein School – dousing a teacher in 1971.
However, the website closed down in 2011. An aerial view of the campus, old snaps from the School Photographic Club, including Beecham’s famous 1971 staged dousing of a teacher in the swimming pool, and a series showing the final demolition of the school are just some of the treasures gone with Memories of Monty.
Montgomery School entrance, 1988.
Shortly before that, and in response to Howard’s open invitation to contribute photos, I emailed him my 1988 collection which pleased him; but neither they, nor any other new material ever appeared on his site. This warned me ‘the end was nigh!’
There must have been many ex-pupils who ended up copying as much as possible before everything was lost!
Researching Montgomery of Alamein school through Friends Reunited
Then I remembered Friends Reunited, a website which had become a repository for all sorts of memorabilia, visual and otherwise.
Aerial panorama view of Montgomery of Alamein School in Winchester.
In the event, it proved an ideal new home for the rapidly accumulating material. Anybody can log on for free and upload their own photos; the process is simple thanks to the expert organisation of the Friends site.
Surprisingly, at that time their Montgomery of Alamein box had only 10 or so pictures, in spite of a 1,000-plus ‘membership’.
You can imagine what the Field-Marshal would have said…not to mention Beacham!!!
Treasure hunt in my garage
This sent me off to the garage, rooting around in cardboard boxes, memories racing back. It was just too good a school to leave undocumented.
Click to enlarge or download the picture.
Montgomery of Alamein art teacher Peter Mason: Aeromodelling
The place used to be alive with opportunities. Sport aside (archery with Mr Ogier was my favourite), anything from aero-modelling to archaeology was supplemented by a packed music and drama schedule where everyone put in 100% after hours.
1971 – Swimming Gala. Montgomery of Alamein School.
Rock-climbing arrived with the new Head in 1967.
Click to enlarge or download the picture.
Montgomery Rock climbing. 22 May 1973, Southern Evening Echo.
Of course, all this had been developing since the days of the old ‘Romsey Road’ School; hardly surprising considering the key staff who stayed on.
Great names from the 1950s, like Bone (Maths) Ellis (Geography) Amos (History and …ex-boxer!) Young (English) and Haynes (Science) – somebody scrawled on his desk ‘Hitler was a little man, too!’ – carried on the best traditions, galvanised in 1967 by the inspired leadership of the incoming new Headmaster with his new intake, uniquely dubbed “The Beacham Boys.”
Head of English, Peter Mason, played Fagin in Montgomery of Alamein’s production of Oliver in 1968.
Head of English Peter Mason
Only recently, a former ‘Romsey Road’ pupil reminded me that the Head of English, Peter Mason, who later played Fagin in the unforgettable 1968 Montgomery of Alamein production of Oliver, ten years previously had directed Cinderella in the same Hall.
That same pupil, who added “The guy who played Cinders was that good, it worried me!” went on to become an architect.
A decade after Oliver new talent was to emerge in Colin Firth (also a former pupil of Montgomery of Alamein School), but that’s another story!
Montgomery of Alamein School Magazines
Back in my garage, I realised that the few remaining old textbooks and most of the exercise books had been discarded years before. Worse still, photos I knew to be there, including the 1969 French exchange (with Mr Noel), were in some untraceable ‘safe place’.
Montgomery of Alamein 1971 school trip – down the Rhine.
A rusty tin box revealed a load of ‘old papers’ and three of the very first Montgomery of Alamein School Magazines (1971, 1972, 1974) together with the Jubilee Issue (1977), all with staff contributions and the obligatory ‘Letter from the Head’, bringing the voices of those distant teachers back to life.
Michael Burford – 1972 – Farewell to Montgomery.
And the ‘old papers’? Well, they turned out to be Beacham’s lengthy Annual Progress Reports to parents revealing the long-forgotten day-to-day running of the school.
Montgomery of Alamein School – Staff at the 1971 Fair.
Unfortunately, no pictures but, later on, in transferring some old slides, a real chance find turned out to be the 1971 Fair, with a dozen or so staff – in colour.
1970 Cruise with Mr. Ellis, Montgomery of Alamein school.
Still more turned up: slides of the 1970 Nevasa Cruise to Athens (with Mr Ellis) and 1971 Rhine Trip (with Mr Young) and a yellowing copy of a 1973 Southern Evening Echo had a refreshing take on the school with a revealing aside on the proximity of the Danemark School…for girls !!
All this has been added to Friends Reunited for everyone to enjoy and now virtually every year of Montgomery of Alamein School is documented, up to Beacham’s 1984 retirement and beyond.
Maths Class with Mr Bone and Mr Middleton – Montgomery of Alamein School. Image from the 1974 school magazine.
Interior views of the building are few, so if you know of any unexplored garages/lofts, get digging! Surely someone must have a picture of the Main Hall! The School Photographic Club took all sorts of indoor pictures, even occasionally disrupting lessons!
The mystery of the silent film of Lord Montgomery renaming the school in 1968
The ultimate mystery, however, must remain the whereabouts of Mr. Ellis’ short black and white silent film of Lord Montgomery renaming the school on 1 July 1968.
Lord Montgomery renamed the school in 1968.
The last time I saw this was at the 1977 Reunion in the Main Hall, where Mr. Ellis himself set it rolling, as of old, on the original gigantic reel-to-reel projector from the Geography Department.
Until quite recently, the Hampshire County Film Archive didn’t even know it existed. Now, that film would be a find!
It’s not just old school… it’s EVERY blast from the past.
To help us with the history of Montgomery of Alamein School, please visit Montgomery of Alamein on Friends Reunited, and share any picture or story you have with us.
Thank you Michael for this insightful report of the school. Absolutely brilliant! Love the pictures too.
You’ve dedicated so much of your time and effort into the research of the history of Montgomery of Alamein School. Thank you very much for sharing them with us.
I worked in Kings’ School (formed in 1985 by merging the two previous schools on the site: Danemark School (girls) and Montgomery of Alamein School (boys)) for a few years. Many people still talk about Montgomery of Alamein School with fond memories.
Please continue sharing more stories with us. Perhaps you know some of the world-famous students there?
Hi, do you have any photos documents, or information on Romsey Road school in the mid 1950’s?. Both my brother and I attended the school leaving in 1960-1961. My teacher was a Mr Paine, who also taught English.
Hi Peter,I was at the school same period.Mr. Paine. Mr.Bone.Spud Andrews.Mr. Cronin.my name is Bill Crouch, also known as Leon.played for the soccer team at Allsaints and Winchester school boys and this school. Bill.
Thanks for your message. I will pass on your message to Peter via his daughter. I see them on Sunday at the church. Peter has said he loves hearing from old friends and students.
Hi, Bill,
Great to here from you.My brother (george) and I both went to Romsey road school. George who is two years older than me left in 1959, I left in 1960. We were both in care at St Nicholas children’s home at Kingsworthy. There were other boys in the home who also went to Romsey road school. I remember all the teachers that you mentioned. I can not remember if you were in the same class as myself. Can you remember any other boys who went to the school from St Nicholas. Kevin Price (he was not from the home) was a friend of mine.I played and captained the school hockey team. I now live in Telford Shropshire having retired from a career in the police force. Would love to here from you, kind regards Peter. My email address is pbrown2054@gmail.com
What a great find this is peter mason was my form teacher at the time of his model club, great to see me glogg, Mr Haines and others. I have seen the silent film of Montgomery opening the school on here about 3 years ago. What a great find it would be. By the way Mr Bone was no relation to me.
Fantastic article Michael. Great work. I have a couple of pictures of the school Nevassa cruise in around 1969 and got great pleasure from seeing pictures of the teachers. Such memories.
So long ago, but I have every respect for Dennis Beacham and his staff and remember Lord Montgomery arriving by helicopter (a Westland Wessex I believe) and what a great day that was.
Wow! Today I visited my hairdresser in Charminster Road Bournemouth, I recalled Montgomery’s visit to school at the renaming. Gavin, cutting a client’s hair in the next chair immediately said did you go to Monty’s.
We went through all the teachers that we could remember.
I was stage crew for the Oliver production – a good team.
In 1967 I was on the trip to Belgium, Brussels and Dinant – first class with Mr Warwick and Mr Evans.
Mr Amos was my History Teacher and Gavin Hubert my Tutorial Group Tutor.
Remember you from Gavin Hulbert’s tutorial group. I played the trombone.
I was in 2AG at the time. Have a feeling, YOU were Head boy?
There was a time-history chart of every composer, on the wall.
Vividly recall doing that bloody hospital bed-push around a disused airfield at/near the New Forest, during the Easter holiday, in April 1970. We had several fillys in attendance, which eased us lads through it! (Although, they were lying-down and adding to the weight). Someone brought a transistor radio along and we heard “Band of Gold” sung by Freda Payne at least 7 times that day! Deservedly so; it was the New No.1. My name for you was “Clive’s Whiskers”; due to your facial hair.
(Sorry for being a prat).
Hope you are well.
Keep safe, friend.
Wow, thanks guys… these comments bring back memory’s from when I was at the Romsey Road School. I left in 1962 but can now recall the names of the teachers mentioned. My brother Chris was also a pupil here and must have left in about 1966. I also remember a teacher called ‘Dimmer’ aka Mr. Dimmer, I think he taught geography (we used to lock him in the store cupboard and make him cry), and then their was an ex army teacher called Mr. Dixon who took us for PE and swimming; you would not mess with him… or you risked a well deserved beating. I remember we never used the stairs coming down from the first floor classrooms… we all slid down the banisters; wish I was as fit now! 🙂
Dave Hawnt (Southampton)
Rekindled so many memory’s, I attended Romsey Road Boys School 1964-1969. I recall so well Monty’s visit.
Some things of the things that come to mind are; Mr Green (maths) who had a golf ball in the toe of a plimsoll (that stung), when I saw Mr Amos’s name I remembered how accurate he was with a Blackboard Rubber and punching the wall of the corridors as he walked along.
Here was where I first time came across “The Hobbit”, reading allowed in English; Mr Pain.
Also, Mr Thompson (chunky);- Metalwork, building a Car in the workshop was good fun, I can’t recall the Woodwork Teachers names, but had good times there too.
My Tutor was Mr Pollock ; Technical Drawing (good Guy)
John Haskell of St John’s Road if so you may remember me Michael Mills. Dennis Gibbons, John Wagstaffe we were all in Green’s maths class and remember that plimsoll very well. I was at Romsey Road from 1966-1970 unfortunately my tutor group was with Seymore (science) a miserable sod. I remember most of the tutors – Dickson, Dimmer, Dan, Bartlett, Newton, Amos etc but the best tutor for me was Solloway (woodwork). For a twelve year old back in 1966 Romsey Road school came as a bit of a shock.
I was a pupil at Montgomery from 1967(Romsey Road School) until 1973. The best years of my life, second only to my following teenage years! I must have been in the best tutor group in the school, with Paul Robinson, Paul Wiseman, Phil Batchelor, Mick Wyper, Fred White, Nick Kanel, etc. I used to spend my breaktimes and lunchtimes in the summer selling cold drinks behind the Art Block, until Beacham stopped me when the new vending machines arrived! There were so many clever kids in my class in the top stream. They should have gone to Peter Symonds? I once “found” a roll of 5p dinner tickets in Beacham’s office one day and sold them all the next day for 2p each! The problem was, so many people went in for a meal at dinner on the first sitting there were no meals left whatsoever for the 2nd sitting! Sorry lads, now you know. I used to have an evening paper round where my last delivery was to Josh Bone in Andover Road. (great maths teacher!) If he had slippered me that day I refused to deliver his paper! He soon got the message and we had a “little deal” in the future – if I misbehaved he would (very lightly) slipper me, but make it look hard, and he would still get his paper! I could write a book on that great school! I loved it so much I bought one of the houses built on the senior playground and our bedroom overlooked the dining hall and clock tower! I still own the house which is now rented out. fantastic memories of “Paris 1969 and Austria 1970 Oh yes AND Amsterdam! I drank too much at a beer factory in Paris and got lost. When Mr. Turner finally found me asleep by the Arch de triumph later that evening Ged Shepherd and Ted Dunford carried me into his Austin 1300, but the bumpy ride on the cobbled streets made me feel sick. Ged saw me starting to “reach” and stuck his fist in my mouth! I pebbled dashed the whole of the inside of the car and the occupants! Great times!
What a NAUGHTY boy!
I did Sept 68 to Nov 71 so I guess was a year behind you. I moved around a lot Military father!) but of my 13 schools this one certainly stood out.
John Airey, I was a Montys from 69 to 74. You must have lived in Harestock as I did that same paper round in about 1973, probably just after you. Bone lived at I think 3 Andover Road, it was my last delivery. (If I remember correctly the round was Buriton Road, Harestock Lane and then onto Andover Road) Small world !!
I’ve only just seen this! I had the pleasure of teaching at Montgomery for my first two years after qualifying, from 1975 to 1977, and remember it (and a great many people, both staff and boys) with enormous affection. I worked in Eric Young’s English department, as well as teaching Humanities in my second year, and worked with the loveliest bunch of people. It really was a very good school.
Interestingly, one of my oldest friends from university days is someone who was in his final year at Romsey Road Boys’ Secondary School when Dennis Beacham arrived, and he always talks of the astonishing transformation of the school that came about within a matter of months. His name is Joe Cloutman, and he tells of how he had been quite worried about leaving the school and admitting he had been at Romsey Road; by the time this actually happened, he was positively proud to say he had been at Montgomery of Alamein. He subsequently went on to do A levels at Barton Peveril, a degree in Zoology at Exeter, and an MPhil at Kingston, and always attributes this change in his academic fortunes to Dennis Beacham’s influence.
I was at Montgomery from 1968 until 72 and can remember Lord Montgomery arriving by helicopter, it was a boiling hot day and I seem to remember that he upset a local reporter who left with a squeal of tyres. I was at school with Steve Mitchell, Pete Newman, Alan Murray, Steve Daly, Sean Ryan. Bryan Green was my English teacher who was a brilliant teacher, we never did much written work. My tutor was Arthur Newton the music teacher. I also remember we had a tempory teacher called John Sutton-Smith who turned out to be a thief and stole some money from the school, he was caught. I was quite good at running and had the school record in the 800 metres (2mins 16 secs). Memories of the trip to Austria in1970 are still quite fresh in my mind, we went on some sort of exercise in pairs, I was teamed with John Airey. Whereby he was Josh Bones paperboy I was Dennis Beachams who lived just round the corner from the school in Sarum Road, which I thought might come in handy if needed. Best teachers for me were both of the Greens, Mr Amos and all of the games teachers.
I was at WCSS for boys then known as Romney Rd Boys School, 1955 to 1960 Mr Arrand was the headmaster and Mr Bath the deputy Mrs Arrand also taught for a few terms I think I may have an old class photo.We did impromptu shows on rainy days in the main hall at lunch time. Rodney Biles was always a great turn.Those morning assemblies all in class lines, the gardening classes in the hut at the far end of the playing fields with Spud Andrews.He always delighted in making us collect the slipper from the back cupboard so he could administer. I spoke to Viscount Montgomery the day he gave is name to the school.I was at mourn hill roundabout and Cl Parr was there to meet him.Fifty Eight years and a busy life I still have found memories of my time there ,
I knew I recognised your name too.
Shame the Howard Blake site no longer exists there were some really good pictures there!
I am looking forward to retirement later this year.
Just stumbled on this site but sadly it’s all too recent for me. I attended Danemark Secondary Modern when it was both boys and girls. I left in 1950 with my School Certificate, which preceded the GCE. Emigrated to Canada in 1955 and went to university there.
Teachers I remember: Mr Buckle was head, “Stiffy” Keeble taught science and Billy Bath was a great English teacher, Charlie Hibberd (I think) taught PT.
Classmates included Alan Miles and Kevin McManus.
Just found this sight on my return to Winchester after living in Portugal for 20 years and it has brought back many memories of my time at Romsey Road Sec.Mod. from 1954 -1958.My memory of names is fading fast but the photos and names on this site have jogged my memory so much I remember my form teacher and football coach Pete Mason,Mr.Whittle(music),Mr.Dickson(p.e.),Mr.Symes,Mr.Arrand(Head master),Mr.Larkin,Mr.Boyle,Mr.Bone and Mr.Ellis to name but a few.Would love to get in touch with anyone who remembers me from these times including Malc Cherret ,Roger Turffrey,Bob Higgins,Carly Worsnam and Dave Thorpe.My name is Mick Martin
With the closure today (31 October 2019) of Old Sarum airfield, I started thinking about the good times we had there back in the sixties and the instructors. One was called Peter Mason and he used to talk a lot about Lord Montgomery of Alamein School. He obviously loved working there and I remember he knew a good deal of Dylan Thomas Under Milk Wood by heart. He was far from the usual gliding instructor and several of us from those days wonder if he is still alive. I believe his father was the chief fire officer at Porton Down.
HI Everyone.. i was at the school in 1976 for 2 years, having transferred from a school in Londonderry. i was also fortunate to attend Montgomery’s funeral when the school provided a number of students at the family private burial. i had 2 wonderful years at the school as deputy head boy the final year. Now living in blissful retirement in Brasil. if anyone remembers me, then please feel free to contact me watsapp 0055 16 991 648988 (and you dont have to speak Portuguese lol)
I must be missing something. I was there 1971 to 1976 and it was the most dreadful institution. All boys. Continual fighting and impossible to learn anything. I never qualified in anything. I dreaded every day going there and got absolutely nothing from the experience.
I was there 71 to 76. I learned nothing. I spent all my time brawling with scum bags from council estates. The things that inspired me I wasn’t allowed to do and the things that I was useless at, I was forced to do. I didn’t pass any exams or go into further education. I’ve never had a career and have been homeless for 20 years.
I attended the school for five years until 1969. I enjoyed most of my time there. The school certainly inspired my love of drama. I played The Artful Dodger in the wonderful production of Oliver in 1968. I went on to become a secondary school Drama teacher in Hampshire for forty years. Roger Albrorough who played Bill Sykes has a successful career as a professional actor.
I too was in Oliver – aged perhaps 12 – a workhouse boy. I have the original programme. I recently shared a picture on the Monty facebook group, featuring you! Peter Mason (Fagin) was being talked about warmly. If you emailed me I’ll send you the picture! Cjhhutchison@aol.com.
It’s odd, I see nothing but good comments about how lovely the teachers were. My brother was at the school. Is there any way i could get onformation about his house or teachers? Or is it all too late?
Fifty years ago, the pupils of class 1PJ conceived, designed and acted this story at Montgomery of Alamein School, Winchester, Hampshire.
Developed into a film from a drama/history exercise by the boys themselves, each of whom was responsible for his own wardrobe and props! The project marked the climax of a first-year Humanities course and provided the basis for further creative work.
50 years on, I know, but if you recognise yourself or other classmates in this ancient little epic, please leave a comment!
I first day at “Montgomery’s” was as an 11 year old in 1966. It was “Romsey Road Boys” in those days. I wore short trousers and was in trepidation walking into school. I left as a 16 year old prefect in the 5th year. Mr. Higgins (French) was my class teacher. When Mr. Beacham arrived the next year, we were all put into tutor groups. Mr.Oliver (Art) was my Tutor. Didn’t really take to him though.
I remember well “Monty” coming to re-name the school. It was a boiling hot day and we sweltered in black blazers and ties.
I recall one incident where in about the 2nd year my classmate Michael Freeman and I both sneaked under the stage in the Hall and made our way with the aid of a torch underneath the corridor to the Headmaster’s office. We could hear Mr.Beacham just above us talking to his secretary. When the bell went, we made our way back and exited from under the stage right in front of Mr.Amos! Incredibly, he ignored us. –>
One time, in the 3rd year I was carelessly 10 minutes late for Geography with Mr.Bartlett. Big mistake. I can still recall the extremely painful sting of his Slipper. –>
In the 5th year we had a “Careers Seminar” for leavers. Someone set out a rickety chair for Mr.Cresswell to sit on and right on cue it collapsed with Mr. Cresswell’s legs flailing high in the air! We couldn’t stop laughing. It was hilarious! Happy days. I went on to work in Southampton at Ordnance Survey as an apprentice printer. Undoubtedly, Mr. Beacham transformed that school.
Hi everyone who can remember me at monty’s between 1969 and 1974, my name is Les Hack and i have just come across this site, i recognise a couple names, they are Anthony Kerley who i worked with for a few years as a postie in winchester and Andy Gray who was in my year (4&5 band 2), hope you are both good and would love to hear from either of you and anyone else who attended the school at this particular time i would just like to add that next year is the 50th anniversary of leaving the school in 1974, would anyone like to propose some form of a reunion in memory of those early years.
I was at Montgomery from 1976 until 1981 and was in the 1978 performance of Jospeh and his Multi Coloured Dream Coat, which we ended up (after several extra performances), doing in Winchester Cathedral.
I have recently discovered, amongst a load of old tapes, a recording of it and would like to see if anyone else remembers or were in the performance ?
Discover Montgomery Of Alamein School In Winchester
Montgomery of Alamein School in Winchester
Humorous Little Memory: Montgomery Of Alamein School
The Origin Of Humanities Subjects At Montgomery Of Alamein School
Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: the Joy of Powerboat Race and Cycling (Part 12)
Thank you Michael for this insightful report of the school. Absolutely brilliant! Love the pictures too.
You’ve dedicated so much of your time and effort into the research of the history of Montgomery of Alamein School. Thank you very much for sharing them with us.
I worked in Kings’ School (formed in 1985 by merging the two previous schools on the site: Danemark School (girls) and Montgomery of Alamein School (boys)) for a few years. Many people still talk about Montgomery of Alamein School with fond memories.
Please continue sharing more stories with us. Perhaps you know some of the world-famous students there?
I’d love to make contact again Michael. fireworkman@aol.com will reach me.
Might you like an article on two of Colin Firth’s favourite teachers?
Hi, do you have any photos documents, or information on Romsey Road school in the mid 1950’s?. Both my brother and I attended the school leaving in 1960-1961. My teacher was a Mr Paine, who also taught English.
I am hoping to trace some of my old school mates.
Kind regards,
Peter Brown
Hi Peter,I was at the school same period.Mr. Paine. Mr.Bone.Spud Andrews.Mr. Cronin.my name is Bill Crouch, also known as Leon.played for the soccer team at Allsaints and Winchester school boys and this school. Bill.
Hi Bill,
Thanks for your message. I will pass on your message to Peter via his daughter. I see them on Sunday at the church. Peter has said he loves hearing from old friends and students.
All the best, Janet
Hi, Bill,
Great to here from you.My brother (george) and I both went to Romsey road school. George who is two years older than me left in 1959, I left in 1960. We were both in care at St Nicholas children’s home at Kingsworthy. There were other boys in the home who also went to Romsey road school. I remember all the teachers that you mentioned. I can not remember if you were in the same class as myself. Can you remember any other boys who went to the school from St Nicholas. Kevin Price (he was not from the home) was a friend of mine.I played and captained the school hockey team. I now live in Telford Shropshire having retired from a career in the police force. Would love to here from you, kind regards Peter. My email address is pbrown2054@gmail.com
What a great find this is peter mason was my form teacher at the time of his model club, great to see me glogg, Mr Haines and others. I have seen the silent film of Montgomery opening the school on here about 3 years ago. What a great find it would be. By the way Mr Bone was no relation to me.
Fantastic article Michael. Great work. I have a couple of pictures of the school Nevassa cruise in around 1969 and got great pleasure from seeing pictures of the teachers. Such memories.
So long ago, but I have every respect for Dennis Beacham and his staff and remember Lord Montgomery arriving by helicopter (a Westland Wessex I believe) and what a great day that was.
Paul West
Oakland, NJ, USA.
Wow! Today I visited my hairdresser in Charminster Road Bournemouth, I recalled Montgomery’s visit to school at the renaming. Gavin, cutting a client’s hair in the next chair immediately said did you go to Monty’s.
We went through all the teachers that we could remember.
I was stage crew for the Oliver production – a good team.
In 1967 I was on the trip to Belgium, Brussels and Dinant – first class with Mr Warwick and Mr Evans.
Mr Amos was my History Teacher and Gavin Hubert my Tutorial Group Tutor.
Good times, but, we did not know it at the time!
Regards
Clive
In Christchurch
Hello Clive,
Remember you from Gavin Hulbert’s tutorial group. I played the trombone.
I was in 2AG at the time. Have a feeling, YOU were Head boy?
There was a time-history chart of every composer, on the wall.
Vividly recall doing that bloody hospital bed-push around a disused airfield at/near the New Forest, during the Easter holiday, in April 1970. We had several fillys in attendance, which eased us lads through it! (Although, they were lying-down and adding to the weight). Someone brought a transistor radio along and we heard “Band of Gold” sung by Freda Payne at least 7 times that day! Deservedly so; it was the New No.1. My name for you was “Clive’s Whiskers”; due to your facial hair.
(Sorry for being a prat).
Hope you are well.
Keep safe, friend.
Sincerely, Ian Atkinson
Wow, thanks guys… these comments bring back memory’s from when I was at the Romsey Road School. I left in 1962 but can now recall the names of the teachers mentioned. My brother Chris was also a pupil here and must have left in about 1966. I also remember a teacher called ‘Dimmer’ aka Mr. Dimmer, I think he taught geography (we used to lock him in the store cupboard and make him cry), and then their was an ex army teacher called Mr. Dixon who took us for PE and swimming; you would not mess with him… or you risked a well deserved beating. I remember we never used the stairs coming down from the first floor classrooms… we all slid down the banisters; wish I was as fit now! 🙂
Dave Hawnt (Southampton)
Lovely memories of Montgomery…….
Was a boarder at Sarum House from 1974 – 1979 before heading down the road to Peter Symonds.
Ken Riley was my Tutor for the first two years, then Jan Toogood took over from there.
Mr. Noel took French, Mr. Cresswell for Maths, Mr. Haines for Physics, and do you remember Mr. Pete, the music teacher?
Tony Thomson took us for P.E., along with Mr. Hilary and Mr Glogg.
Played soccer and rugby for the school and as a result, went on to play for Hampshire and take a trial for England at u18 rugby
Hi , Just stumbled across your site.
Rekindled so many memory’s, I attended Romsey Road Boys School 1964-1969. I recall so well Monty’s visit.
Some things of the things that come to mind are; Mr Green (maths) who had a golf ball in the toe of a plimsoll (that stung), when I saw Mr Amos’s name I remembered how accurate he was with a Blackboard Rubber and punching the wall of the corridors as he walked along.
Here was where I first time came across “The Hobbit”, reading allowed in English; Mr Pain.
Also, Mr Thompson (chunky);- Metalwork, building a Car in the workshop was good fun, I can’t recall the Woodwork Teachers names, but had good times there too.
My Tutor was Mr Pollock ; Technical Drawing (good Guy)
You have got me thinking now !!!!
John Haskell of St John’s Road if so you may remember me Michael Mills. Dennis Gibbons, John Wagstaffe we were all in Green’s maths class and remember that plimsoll very well. I was at Romsey Road from 1966-1970 unfortunately my tutor group was with Seymore (science) a miserable sod. I remember most of the tutors – Dickson, Dimmer, Dan, Bartlett, Newton, Amos etc but the best tutor for me was Solloway (woodwork). For a twelve year old back in 1966 Romsey Road school came as a bit of a shock.
Yes, Mr Solloway and Mr Phillips were the two woodwork teachers when I attended MoA, 1969-73.
I was a pupil at Montgomery from 1967(Romsey Road School) until 1973. The best years of my life, second only to my following teenage years! I must have been in the best tutor group in the school, with Paul Robinson, Paul Wiseman, Phil Batchelor, Mick Wyper, Fred White, Nick Kanel, etc. I used to spend my breaktimes and lunchtimes in the summer selling cold drinks behind the Art Block, until Beacham stopped me when the new vending machines arrived! There were so many clever kids in my class in the top stream. They should have gone to Peter Symonds? I once “found” a roll of 5p dinner tickets in Beacham’s office one day and sold them all the next day for 2p each! The problem was, so many people went in for a meal at dinner on the first sitting there were no meals left whatsoever for the 2nd sitting! Sorry lads, now you know. I used to have an evening paper round where my last delivery was to Josh Bone in Andover Road. (great maths teacher!) If he had slippered me that day I refused to deliver his paper! He soon got the message and we had a “little deal” in the future – if I misbehaved he would (very lightly) slipper me, but make it look hard, and he would still get his paper! I could write a book on that great school! I loved it so much I bought one of the houses built on the senior playground and our bedroom overlooked the dining hall and clock tower! I still own the house which is now rented out. fantastic memories of “Paris 1969 and Austria 1970 Oh yes AND Amsterdam! I drank too much at a beer factory in Paris and got lost. When Mr. Turner finally found me asleep by the Arch de triumph later that evening Ged Shepherd and Ted Dunford carried me into his Austin 1300, but the bumpy ride on the cobbled streets made me feel sick. Ged saw me starting to “reach” and stuck his fist in my mouth! I pebbled dashed the whole of the inside of the car and the occupants! Great times!
What a NAUGHTY boy!
I did Sept 68 to Nov 71 so I guess was a year behind you. I moved around a lot Military father!) but of my 13 schools this one certainly stood out.
John Airey, I was a Montys from 69 to 74. You must have lived in Harestock as I did that same paper round in about 1973, probably just after you. Bone lived at I think 3 Andover Road, it was my last delivery. (If I remember correctly the round was Buriton Road, Harestock Lane and then onto Andover Road) Small world !!
Andy Gray, We lived in 23 Litchfield Road Harestock. My older brother attended MOA school, his names is Clifford Wilkins.
I’ve only just seen this! I had the pleasure of teaching at Montgomery for my first two years after qualifying, from 1975 to 1977, and remember it (and a great many people, both staff and boys) with enormous affection. I worked in Eric Young’s English department, as well as teaching Humanities in my second year, and worked with the loveliest bunch of people. It really was a very good school.
Interestingly, one of my oldest friends from university days is someone who was in his final year at Romsey Road Boys’ Secondary School when Dennis Beacham arrived, and he always talks of the astonishing transformation of the school that came about within a matter of months. His name is Joe Cloutman, and he tells of how he had been quite worried about leaving the school and admitting he had been at Romsey Road; by the time this actually happened, he was positively proud to say he had been at Montgomery of Alamein. He subsequently went on to do A levels at Barton Peveril, a degree in Zoology at Exeter, and an MPhil at Kingston, and always attributes this change in his academic fortunes to Dennis Beacham’s influence.
Dennis Beacham was a man with extraordinary leadership skills. Even as an eleven year old I was aware of this.
I was at Montgomery from 1968 until 72 and can remember Lord Montgomery arriving by helicopter, it was a boiling hot day and I seem to remember that he upset a local reporter who left with a squeal of tyres. I was at school with Steve Mitchell, Pete Newman, Alan Murray, Steve Daly, Sean Ryan. Bryan Green was my English teacher who was a brilliant teacher, we never did much written work. My tutor was Arthur Newton the music teacher. I also remember we had a tempory teacher called John Sutton-Smith who turned out to be a thief and stole some money from the school, he was caught. I was quite good at running and had the school record in the 800 metres (2mins 16 secs). Memories of the trip to Austria in1970 are still quite fresh in my mind, we went on some sort of exercise in pairs, I was teamed with John Airey. Whereby he was Josh Bones paperboy I was Dennis Beachams who lived just round the corner from the school in Sarum Road, which I thought might come in handy if needed. Best teachers for me were both of the Greens, Mr Amos and all of the games teachers.
I was at WCSS for boys then known as Romney Rd Boys School, 1955 to 1960 Mr Arrand was the headmaster and Mr Bath the deputy Mrs Arrand also taught for a few terms I think I may have an old class photo.We did impromptu shows on rainy days in the main hall at lunch time. Rodney Biles was always a great turn.Those morning assemblies all in class lines, the gardening classes in the hut at the far end of the playing fields with Spud Andrews.He always delighted in making us collect the slipper from the back cupboard so he could administer. I spoke to Viscount Montgomery the day he gave is name to the school.I was at mourn hill roundabout and Cl Parr was there to meet him.Fifty Eight years and a busy life I still have found memories of my time there ,
I was there between 1965 and 1970. It is good to see all the teachers names I had forgotten!!!! They were good years.
Graham Long…there’s a name I know , It is good to look at the old photos of the School etc.
As you say “they were good years”.
I hope the intervening years have been good to you
Kind regards
John Haskell
Hi John
I knew I recognised your name too.
Shame the Howard Blake site no longer exists there were some really good pictures there!
I am looking forward to retirement later this year.
Regards
Graham
Just stumbled on this site but sadly it’s all too recent for me. I attended Danemark Secondary Modern when it was both boys and girls. I left in 1950 with my School Certificate, which preceded the GCE. Emigrated to Canada in 1955 and went to university there.
Teachers I remember: Mr Buckle was head, “Stiffy” Keeble taught science and Billy Bath was a great English teacher, Charlie Hibberd (I think) taught PT.
Classmates included Alan Miles and Kevin McManus.
Just found this sight on my return to Winchester after living in Portugal for 20 years and it has brought back many memories of my time at Romsey Road Sec.Mod. from 1954 -1958.My memory of names is fading fast but the photos and names on this site have jogged my memory so much I remember my form teacher and football coach Pete Mason,Mr.Whittle(music),Mr.Dickson(p.e.),Mr.Symes,Mr.Arrand(Head master),Mr.Larkin,Mr.Boyle,Mr.Bone and Mr.Ellis to name but a few.Would love to get in touch with anyone who remembers me from these times including Malc Cherret ,Roger Turffrey,Bob Higgins,Carly Worsnam and Dave Thorpe.My name is Mick Martin
With the closure today (31 October 2019) of Old Sarum airfield, I started thinking about the good times we had there back in the sixties and the instructors. One was called Peter Mason and he used to talk a lot about Lord Montgomery of Alamein School. He obviously loved working there and I remember he knew a good deal of Dylan Thomas Under Milk Wood by heart. He was far from the usual gliding instructor and several of us from those days wonder if he is still alive. I believe his father was the chief fire officer at Porton Down.
HI Everyone.. i was at the school in 1976 for 2 years, having transferred from a school in Londonderry. i was also fortunate to attend Montgomery’s funeral when the school provided a number of students at the family private burial. i had 2 wonderful years at the school as deputy head boy the final year. Now living in blissful retirement in Brasil. if anyone remembers me, then please feel free to contact me watsapp 0055 16 991 648988 (and you dont have to speak Portuguese lol)
I must be missing something. I was there 1971 to 1976 and it was the most dreadful institution. All boys. Continual fighting and impossible to learn anything. I never qualified in anything. I dreaded every day going there and got absolutely nothing from the experience.
I was there 71 to 76. I learned nothing. I spent all my time brawling with scum bags from council estates. The things that inspired me I wasn’t allowed to do and the things that I was useless at, I was forced to do. I didn’t pass any exams or go into further education. I’ve never had a career and have been homeless for 20 years.
The school and life has been very harsh for you. Would this still have happened today? Have we (the system) learned?
I attended the school for five years until 1969. I enjoyed most of my time there. The school certainly inspired my love of drama. I played The Artful Dodger in the wonderful production of Oliver in 1968. I went on to become a secondary school Drama teacher in Hampshire for forty years. Roger Albrorough who played Bill Sykes has a successful career as a professional actor.
I too was in Oliver – aged perhaps 12 – a workhouse boy. I have the original programme. I recently shared a picture on the Monty facebook group, featuring you! Peter Mason (Fagin) was being talked about warmly. If you emailed me I’ll send you the picture! Cjhhutchison@aol.com.
I WAS IN THE FIRST INTAKE SOME NAMES I REMEMBER TIMMS,GRIFFITHS, PARKER .WHITE.. TEACHERS BONE ,KEEBLE. MAYBE SOME ONE ELSE REMEMBERS.
I was in the first intake I left in 1955.any one else still around?
It’s odd, I see nothing but good comments about how lovely the teachers were. My brother was at the school. Is there any way i could get onformation about his house or teachers? Or is it all too late?
From John Petley-Jones
(Teacher at Montgomery 1970-1979)
Montgomery Pupils in Miniature Epic!
Super 8mm 11 minutes 1972
Now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/StOem-tNWlI
Fifty years ago, the pupils of class 1PJ conceived, designed and acted this story at Montgomery of Alamein School, Winchester, Hampshire.
Developed into a film from a drama/history exercise by the boys themselves, each of whom was responsible for his own wardrobe and props! The project marked the climax of a first-year Humanities course and provided the basis for further creative work.
50 years on, I know, but if you recognise yourself or other classmates in this ancient little epic, please leave a comment!
Best wishes
John
https://youtu.be/StOem-tNWlI
I first day at “Montgomery’s” was as an 11 year old in 1966. It was “Romsey Road Boys” in those days. I wore short trousers and was in trepidation walking into school. I left as a 16 year old prefect in the 5th year. Mr. Higgins (French) was my class teacher. When Mr. Beacham arrived the next year, we were all put into tutor groups. Mr.Oliver (Art) was my Tutor. Didn’t really take to him though.
I remember well “Monty” coming to re-name the school. It was a boiling hot day and we sweltered in black blazers and ties.
I recall one incident where in about the 2nd year my classmate Michael Freeman and I both sneaked under the stage in the Hall and made our way with the aid of a torch underneath the corridor to the Headmaster’s office. We could hear Mr.Beacham just above us talking to his secretary. When the bell went, we made our way back and exited from under the stage right in front of Mr.Amos! Incredibly, he ignored us. –>
One time, in the 3rd year I was carelessly 10 minutes late for Geography with Mr.Bartlett. Big mistake. I can still recall the extremely painful sting of his Slipper. –>
In the 5th year we had a “Careers Seminar” for leavers. Someone set out a rickety chair for Mr.Cresswell to sit on and right on cue it collapsed with Mr. Cresswell’s legs flailing high in the air! We couldn’t stop laughing. It was hilarious! Happy days. I went on to work in Southampton at Ordnance Survey as an apprentice printer. Undoubtedly, Mr. Beacham transformed that school.
Hi everyone who can remember me at monty’s between 1969 and 1974, my name is Les Hack and i have just come across this site, i recognise a couple names, they are Anthony Kerley who i worked with for a few years as a postie in winchester and Andy Gray who was in my year (4&5 band 2), hope you are both good and would love to hear from either of you and anyone else who attended the school at this particular time i would just like to add that next year is the 50th anniversary of leaving the school in 1974, would anyone like to propose some form of a reunion in memory of those early years.
Hello Les,
Hope you’re well and life has been good to you.
I do recall you – Same year intake as moi.
Keep safe.
Best regards,
Ian Atkinson.
I was at Montgomery from 1976 until 1981 and was in the 1978 performance of Jospeh and his Multi Coloured Dream Coat, which we ended up (after several extra performances), doing in Winchester Cathedral.
I have recently discovered, amongst a load of old tapes, a recording of it and would like to see if anyone else remembers or were in the performance ?