Sinjuns Guestbook - January 2006 ~ December 2006


Looks like I am the first guest in 2006. About time I got my name on here since no-one else has mentioned me! I was a GB from `76 to `80 and was one of those who always did their homework but still got into some scrapes like when trying to blow up the fives court and the caretaker with John Jenkins.

This may be late notice but I am meeting up with John J, Little Dave Bunting, Doggie Dave Uttley, Ben Rich, Suhail Akhtar, and Ian Kick, this Friday 6 January at the Woodman around 7pm for "our" annual reunion. If anyone does see this and wants to meet up for a beer, a piss take, a curry, and a walk down memory lane then drop me a line.

Cheers to all the Old Boys and if Vic Garrick sees this and wants us to help liven up the next OBA reunion then get in touch!!


Dominic Cortizo <dominic.cortizo@srg.caa.co.uk>
Kingston, Surrey England - Wednesday, January 04, 2006 at 05:54:27 (PST)


Regretably did not attend Battersea at all . Junior County Scholarship in 1939 and was in Godalming 39 - 45 Joined Royal Marines November 45 Korean POW 50-53. Chanced on the web site by accident .Sorry to hear Government killed off so many great years of history
Fred BEADLE <wyndeham2@aol.com>
Clacton on Sea, Essex UK - Thursday, January 05, 2006 at 04:49:22 (PST)


Attended the school in the late 70's. Looking for people that were part of the 10f to 40f class. Also would like to look at photo's if anyone has any from that time.
Girish Thakar <Girishthakar@aol.com>
Beaver Falls, PA USA - Sunday, January 08, 2006 at 21:46:11 (PST)


Dominic, Hello Cuzzles.Sadly, we missed the last drinkup. Next time out, give us a little more notice, AY? It will be good to see you all, especially you Ben, John, Dave (Remember St G'S?? Where am yah? & where's Geoff? "Dom,'Old Boy' I apologise. If only I'd realised what you were up to. What' homework????
VICTOR <GARRICK>
GY, NKKN DW - Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at 18:22:27 (PST)


Thanks must go to Don Joseph for the entry on "Sir Walter St.John's School" in the Wikipedia. It is an excellent entry and I recommend all Old Sinjuns to look at it.
Joseph Sharpe <josharpe@tiscali.co.uk>
Northampton, UK - Monday, January 30, 2006 at 06:32:55 (PST)


Am writing regarding my Father in Law, William George Henry Jacobs, who attended Sinjuns in the 1920s. Since finding your web site and ordering the old boys' tie he has worn it with pride and has enjoyed the newsletters, which he has recieved.

However, I am sorry to tell you that he passed away on 1st January 2006 at 1am at the age of 93. He was always very proud that he had been at St Walter St John School and often told us tales about his antics.

Beryl Jacobs
- Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 12:30:34 (PST)


Does anyone know where Geoff Best is - c 1960 to 1967..?
Mike Walker
- Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 17:34:59 (PST)


Hi,I am an old Sinjun from the Battersea days.

What a wonderful thing the net is! I found your site just by accident.

My name is Denis Charles Parkins Gibbs, and I won a scholarship to go to Sinjuns in 1928. I stayed at Sinjuns until I matriculated in 1933. Then Higher Schools Cert in 1934. My name should be on the old Roll of Honour Boards - if it still exists.

Of course a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, incluiding the war, when we seemed to lose touch with almost everybody. I won't bore you with what happened after the war, even though it was extremely interesting at the time. Now I am 88, still fit as a fiddle, and still going strong. I lost my wife nearly 4 years ago - we had been married 60 years, and have our letter from the Queen of England! You will probably find my website of interest - http://www.liquid-leak.com

Incidentally the Head in my early days was a Mr Taylor, and he was suceeded by his son sometime about 1930.

Regards

Denis Gibbs
- Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 18:07:31 (PST)


Browsing the net ,entered our founders name and up came the schools web site. I was evacuated to Hove in Sept 1939 ,just settled down when in the post a letter saying I had been awarded a Junior County Scholarship so up bags with my mother and sister to Godalming, regretably never to attend the school in Battersea (but at least I can say I attended Charterhouse.

I can remember a few masters names - the Head was J.E.Taylor - needless to say nicknamed JET, the latin master named Band - obviously Bandy - he would walk up and down between the desks banging on each one with a heavy ruler as we declined amo amas amant. The favourite was the maths master A G Strip who when pleased with the progress of the lesson would treat us to a five minute reading from Jerome K Jerome's Three Men in a Boat.

Saturday morning was prancing around in a cadet uniform with a modified .22 rifle at the Charterhouse Armory. Great Days

Fred Beadle
- Sunday, February 12, 2006 at 18:34:28 (PST)


My Old School site that was set up so well is now turning into a spammers paradise. Is there no Gatekeeper (I hesitate to say Prefect) who can clean it up and keep it that way. If someone will give me the authority/key I will volunteer.
David Healey <healeydavid@hotmail.com>
Surrey UK - Sunday, February 19, 2006 at 08:40:46 (PST)


Hi David, I share your frustration at the spammers, they drive me nuts! Typically I have to clean out over 50 spam entries a day from the guestbook, but last week it went crazy and I am now having to clean out 100+ entries a day. I am looking for a guestbook that when you post messages they have to be approved before they appear so this should help. Regards, Neil Storer
Neil Storer <Neil.Storer@sinjuns.com>
- Sunday, February 19, 2006 at 14:59:18 (PST)


We have just updated the guestbook to a version that requires a code number is read and entered in order to make an entry, so hopefully this will keep the spammers away!
Neil Storer <Neil.Storer@sinjuns.com>
- Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 23:31:05 (PST)


Thank God the spammers have gone...well done,lets get back to what the site was ment for!!
John Norman <j.norman2@btinternet.com>
Bracknell, Berkshire England - Thursday, March 02, 2006 at 15:28:26 (PST)


Well done Neil. Let me know if you need any help.
David Healey <healeydavid@hotmail.com>
Wallington, Surrey UK - Saturday, March 04, 2006 at 06:55:56 (PST)


Memories of Sinjuns 73-80 Chemistry - Mr Beanland grabbing a test tube of Xylene I was warming gently over a yellow bunsen flame and uttering the words 'Don't tickle it Uttley !' accompanied by him increasing the bunsen to full power.....Flames licked across the bench as the now rather excited Xylene made a run for it ! On another occasion, nearly blowing him self up when the Thermite reaction didn't react.....until he went back to investigate why things weren't working....and discovered that they were !

The tuck shop - A fellow first year stood outside the tuck shop with a can of coke in hand. Previous cans having been taken from him by 'older boys'. The next older boy you tried this found himself slurping not on coke but either cold gravy or piss.....memory fails me as to exactly which it was, but I sure the consumer can still remember the taste !

Music - Sat in JPW's class writing sleeve notes which he dictated, thinking...isn't this what a bloody photcopier is for !

Maths - Chas Barrett, Ken Duckett and Ratna Alexander....Thanks to your excellent teaching, Maths was the only thing I found a doddle in further education.

Biology - How did anyone allow Ackers to teach young boys....still, the education system is still struggling with that one 30 years later !

Ian Byles and his EDP Wasp synthesizer gurgling away from a black plastic bag during assembly.

CSE French exam and Bob Taylor miming the opening of an umbrella as he dictated the French passage we were required to translate.....presumably without the help of visuals !


David Uttley <kettlecrisps@hotmail.com>
London, UK - Thursday, March 09, 2006 at 06:06:01 (PST)


Hello to all who were at Sinjuns (73 - 79). Recently met up with Terry Mahoney at Stuart Price's Parents Golden Wedding Do.Would like to try and arrange a'meet up' for a beer with anyone who remembers me.I can get in touch with Terry and Stuart and in turn can get hold of Gary Watkins. Vic !! If you can round up your Possee, would be good to hear from you,Steve Price,Darryl Turner, Dean Elliott ?? We did meet up a few years ago in The Windsor Castle (Clapham Jnc).Geoff Hopkins,Neil Robinson,Phil Goodman also made it then.If anyone interested please put a note on the Guestbook or send me an e-mail. Perhaps we could arrange something in June/July which will give people a chance to show interest.
Steve Begley <steve@surefire.co.uk>
Kingston, Surrey UK - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 09:15:49 (PST)


Attended Sinjuns between 1975 - 1979
Des O'Loughlin <dessie37@eircom.net>
Ireland - Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 13:44:58 (PST)


Hello all that were at Sinjuns 73 - 79/80 again. Since my message last week I have had a couple of people contact me about Meeting up. Can I suggest Friday June 2nd at 7.30pm at The Windsor Castle (Clapham Junction).St Johns Hill. I will try to contact all the guys that I can. If you are interested in coming along please let me know. Steve@surefire.co.uk.Be good to see you.
Steve Begley <Steve@surefire.co.uk>
London, Kingston UK - Friday, March 31, 2006 at 05:41:18 (PST)


Hi there all who remember me. I was at SWSJ from 1974 to 1981 in LT before the shadow of William Blake and comprehensive-ism crossed our paths. What a f**ked-up decision that was. Hope that you captains of industry are in good health as well as the rest of you mere mortals. I tried a while back to get some my contemporaries together for some reunion-type events but I was just totally overwhelmed by the apathy I received in response. Should I try again? I'd like to, just to see how bald and fat most of us have become (note the use of the word 'us'). Come on you guys who started in '74 - respond here, or, better yet, send me an e-mail to the address supplied. You know it makes sense! BY the way, FYI, I gave up real work 5 years ago in order to become a novelist. Hands up those who've read one and can tell me the pseudonym I use. (Well you didn't think I'd use my REAL name did you?) Anyway, best wishes to all.
Ian Bolton <isbright@blueyonder.co.uk>
Wolverhampton, UK - Monday, April 10, 2006 at 08:08:04 (PDT)


Re:meeting up at Windsor Castle...I'm well up for it Steve and I'm sure Vic and Dean Elliott will be as well.Unfortunately no D.Turner;he emigrated to Aus about a year ago.
Steve Price
- Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at 16:37:24 (PDT)


Good to see you are interested in meeting on June 2ND Steve Price. So far those who I have heard from etc are Terry Mahoney, Stu Price, Geoff Hopkins, Jon Rushworth, (Lloyd Ridgeway coming along), Colin Morgan. Also possibles are Phil Goodson, Neale Robinson, John Gale, Gary Watkins. If Dean and Vic can come it would be good. Will put a message on the Board a week before Meeting Up. Meanwhile if you want to e-mail me you can do so on Steve@surefire.co.uk. Look forward to seeing you.
STEVE BEGLEY <steve@surefire.co.uk>
KINGSTON UK - Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 07:55:14 (PDT)


Greetings.Remember me? At Sinjun's in the late 60's and 70's Was in Reynolds,Woodham's year
Geoff Higginson <geoff@rome.com>
taipei, taiwan ROC - Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 22:55:20 (PDT)


Was at School 1959 -1965 -left before A-Levels on spur of the moment at Christmas. Whilst playing Jelly Roll Morton in the Great Hall and bunking off English, RE Walker swept in and I had no excuse ready and so managed to blurt out "I'm leaving at the end of term, sir". And so I left! Anyway got my Alevels and degree and job quals etc in due course and now come full circle to really enjoy the annual reunion dinner in the Autumn at the School. Why not join us?
Peter Hammond <peterhammondeggs@hotmail.co.uk>
London, UK - Tuesday, May 02, 2006 at 22:31:03 (PDT)


Hi there to all Sinjuns from my days there in 56 to 60. I was in the mass exodus from Riversdale to Sinjuns when about 18 of us got in somehow. Many good memories of nights in Battersea with Zombie,Gherkin,Sharp Dizzy,Noyes etc. Also hilarious times in the CCf when someone left one up the spout and almost blew Dixon's head off;the escape from hut 29. Who put the sandwich on Algies head? Where are all the comments from the Riversdale boys-do any of them remember Ron Batty or better still his daughter Anita??!!! Loook forward to hearing from some of you sad old gits - were we really that young ? Now living in Cornwall looking out to Fraggle Rock (St Anthony's lighthouse) ps reading about famous old boys add Johnny Kidd to that list
Jim Sykes <jamesesykes@hotmail.com>
Falmouth, Cornwall - Thursday, May 04, 2006 at 16:13:15 (PDT)


HELLO ALL EX SINJUNS 73 TO 80. THE REUNION MEETING / DRINK AT THE WINDSOR CASTLE, ST JOHNS HILL, CLAPHAM JUNCTION IS DEFINITELY GOING AHEAD. GOT SEVERAL PEOPLE GOING SO SHOULD BE GOOD. SEE YOU THERE AT 7.30PM. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTACT ME, PLEASE DO SO steve@surefire.co.uk or 07736 381710. LOOKING FORWARD TO IT !!
STEVE BEGLEY <steve@surefire.co.uk>
LONDON, KINGSTON UK - Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 07:42:41 (PDT)


FURTHER TO MESSAGE BELOW - I FORGOT TO TELL YOU THE DATE - FRIDAY 2ND JUNE @ 7.30 WINDSOR CASTLE, CLAPHAM JNC.
STEVE BEGLEY <steve@surefire.co.uk>
LONDON, KINGSTON UK - Monday, May 22, 2006 at 09:09:59 (PDT)


Re Sinjuns 75 -79 - names i can remember from the past include Paul Trewick (bolter),John Sands,Ronnie Haynes,Anthony Ashby,Michael Johnson,Warren Farrell,Nick Philaposas(sorry for spelling nick)plus many more - fond memories of the tuck shop sweets and the spots to prove it !!!!!
Des O'Loughlin <dessie37@eircom.net>
Loughrea, Co.Galway Ireland - Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 14:31:03 (PDT)


I was interested to find the entry by Mick Parker in the Gazette since he was not only in my year but in my form. I don't recall using first names, but I recall those he mentioned. Josh Reynolds came to Sinjuns because they threw him out of Battersea Grammar - at Sinjuns he was always in hot water because he insisted on using the front door of the school, which was forbidden, and always referred to the caretaker, Mr. Tanner as 'Bob', which raised 'Bob's' hackles somewhat. I rmember Clark, a brilliant lad who was always vying with MacNamara for top place, Davidge was always third. Willy Wall had a twin and both were trouble, Willy was in the 'A' stream to separate him from his brother. I met Thurgood later in the City when I briefly worked for Legal & General. It was Shackleford (not Shackleton, a tall blond bloke, Lydiard & a good footballer. Abadi & his brother were Egyptians & paid to attend Sinjuns, so I believe. I remember Dave Price (he went on to teach Russian) and George Bryan, my best friend at school. Any news? It was Connie Highton (now sadly deceased & a real lady) and Alfie Stripp did have a pseudonym, which he declared himself in the school magazine - Curby Grip, the Man With the Twisted Lip. He did have an unnatural curl to his lip! His boss was Jacko Jackson. No-one has mentioned 'Barbados Bill' Cox & his famous story of the native who urinated in an electolitic tank & was shaken by the experience. I didn't know Bill Stacey was a Yank, I thought he was from the West Country.I have seen, once, J.D.Roberts (Robbo) who joined the Customs & Excise & was inspecting the office in Wandsworth in which I worked. He was Captain of Soccer at the school, later played for Corinthian Casuals (when they were good) & became Captain of the England Amateurs, I think. A great bloke with a sense of humour and boundless energy on the pitch. Good at fives, too. I have so many memories and I wonder why, because I didn't spend my whole life there, yet can't remember some of the highlights of my working life. Strange. I remember a lot more, a veritable font of knowledge (if not wisdom) and what I don't know, my brother will. I had two at Sinjuns: Tony, two years above and Derek, about the same below. Don Piears
Donald Piears <don@dpiears.wanadoo.co.uk>
Brentwood, Essex UK - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 12:16:19 (PDT)


Just a quick line to say thankyou to those guys ( Sinjuns 73 - 79) who took the bother to turn up for our meet up at The Windsor Castle on Fri 2ND June, namely, Geoff Hopkins, Gary Watkins, Steve Price, and special efforts from Terry Mahoney, Colin Morgan and Dean Elliott who all travelled some distance to make it. I said that I would'nt organise another reunion now but leave it to somebody else to take the reigns.If anyone else does try, good luck !! Many more who said they would come did'nt unfortunately, but those who did bother to come along enjoyed the night. If another is organised please let me know about it. Steve Begley
Steve Begley <steve@surefire.co.uk>
London, Kingston UK - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 03:31:16 (PDT)


Am old and lonely in this so foreign land, doesn't someone want to share memories of school in the late 60's and early 70's.?
Geoff Higginson <jethro2222@yahoo.com>
Taipei, Taiwan roc - Sunday, June 11, 2006 at 01:47:33 (PDT)


About 3 years ago I contacted Kevin England and Neil Storer letting them know that I had a number of copies of The Sinjun, offering them ready scanned for inclusion on the website as per the plea for back issues. 3 years and 1 heart transplant later and I have seen no sign of them appearing on the website. So since life is all too short and I don't plan on waiting for any more organs to be exchanged, I have decided to put these issues on the web myself. For anyone who is interested, there are 10 editions of The Sinjun covering the years 1954-1960 [minus 1959] on-line at the following address: http://www.sinjuns.racher.co.uk/SinjunsIndex.htm If I find the 1959 issues, I shall put those on too. Best regards to all, Peter Racher
Peter Racher <peter. racher@btinternet.com>
Ashurst Wood, West Sussex England - Monday, June 12, 2006 at 14:20:01 (PDT)


A quick word of thanks to Peter Racher for making the copies of The Sinjun available on his website. They are a fascinating look at the past of the school. Chris Ainger (1962 - 1969)
Chris Ainger <chris.ainger@sympatico.ca>
Toronto, Ontario Canada - Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 09:37:53 (PDT)


Thanks to Peter Racher for making the copies of sinjun so easily available. Can anyone add copies for the years 1961 to 1963. I attended Sinjuns from 1956-1963.
Dennis Rowe <lindenrowe@btinternet.com>
Newcastle upon , Tyne & Wear UK - Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 01:57:48 (PDT)


I was a pupil from 1961-1966, I have fond memories of the Sinjuns and I think it helped shape my life. My wife and I attended the closing dinner/event back in 1986.
Graham F Harrison <graham@himm.co.uk>
Oxford, England - Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 23:03:41 (PDT)


Anyone who knows me email - enough said !!!!!
Graham Granville <graham.granville@ntlworld.com>
London, UK - Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 13:31:08 (PDT)


I was at Sinjuns from 1961 until 1967, then emigrated to SA.Tried to look up the school on the web previously, but didnt know it had (been?)closed down. This is my first contact since I left the UK. Good to see some old names from the past.
Brian Catt <briancatt@global.co.za>
Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa - Friday, July 14, 2006 at 12:37:39 (PDT)


Old Boy who left 1967 - memories brought back by reading Buster Merryfield's book!
Peter Longdon <aries.construct@hotmail.co.uk>
West Molesey, Surrey England - Friday, July 28, 2006 at 11:03:02 (PDT)


LT 1973-1978. Just found the site. Great to see so many old names. Would love to come to a reunion if one is organised.
Chris Young <bigyoungy@hotmail.co.uk>
Crawley, West S, west Sussex United Kingdom - Sunday, August 20, 2006 at 05:34:21 (PDT)


I was in form 5/3 and my teacher was the rev John Francis. i would like to thank all the Staff between 1970 and 1980 for helping me and doing there job well. thank you
Anthony Hayden <Ahayden118@aol.com>
Blackpool, North West Lancashire - Saturday, September 09, 2006 at 09:30:22 (PDT)


I strikes me, Mr Hayden, that they didn't do THEIR job that well.
A. Pedant
- Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 08:53:41 (PDT)


I was at Sinjuns 74-79. Great times. The slang dictionary in the library? The mad french teacher Mr Townsend? Smoking behind the 5's court?. The cane from "Fritz" Those were the days.
Francis Roche <froche@btopenworld.com>
surrey england - Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 15:32:28 (PDT)


Came across the site by chance and saw some names that I recognise. Seems like so long ago now.......... Ian Boltons comment about bald and gfat hurt thouigh !!!! They say that the truth always does!!
Peter Howard <phoward@fsmail.net>
- Sunday, October 15, 2006 at 11:02:05 (PDT)


I attended Sinjuns shortly after the school returned to Battersea from Godalming after the war. I left in July 1954. I was a proud member of Grandison House and was also part of the swimming team during my latter years. Schoolmates who I remember are Tony Hunt, John Wolstencroft, and Julian Chilvers. I took my entrance exam with Dr. Band and the Head Master's name, I believe, was Frank Smallwood who of course, was known as Mr. Chips. If anyone from my era reads this I would love to hear from you. I returned to London for 16 months 1985/6 and it was during this time, I believe, that the school was closed But I did have the opportunity to walk past the front of the school with my wife and two of my daughters before the closure.
Clive Bray <clivebray@dccnet.com>
Delta, British Columbia Canada - Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 19:44:04 (PDT)


Myself, Terry Mahoney, and Geoff Hopkins have decided to try and organise a 'Meet Up' in early Jan 2007 (any Sinjuns 73 - 79) who would like to come along please e-mail me on steve@surefire.co.uk The venue will probabaly be The Windsor Castle, Clapham Junction. I will put another message here when a certain date is agreed upon. I have recently been in touch with Brian Williams (ex Sports Teacher) who has said would like to come along. So, if you are up for it, get in touch !! Steve Begley
STEVE BEGLEY <steve@surefire.co.uk>
SUNBURY, UK - Friday, November 03, 2006 at 03:34:30 (PST)


any class mates around and remember me drop me a line
rob prior <rprior@fsmail.net>
sanderstead, surrey england - Tuesday, November 07, 2006 at 11:26:15 (PST)


Great to find your site! My late father, Alan Mitchell, attended Sinjuns from c 1935-1941 and was evacuated to Godalming with the school. I would love to hear from any of his contemporaries that remember him.
Jan Gore <gores@dsl.pipex.com>
Hounslow, - Wednesday, November 08, 2006 at 06:09:11 (PST)


Anyone from the 6th form 1954/56 out there? A small band of known survivors - Den Weatherly, Geoff Clark, Geoff Gibson, Doug Franks and myself are meeting up at The Hilton Warwick (good Saga deal) on 1 & 2 December. Malcolm Simmonds, Dave Allen & Ray Allen are part of our usual get together jamborees but cannot make it this time. Additional faces from these years will be more than welcome. Peter Hatton
Peter Hatton <petepat.Hatton@ntlworld.com>
St Ives, Cambridgeshire UK - Thursday, November 09, 2006 at 10:45:23 (PST)


Further to my entry a couple of weeks ago, we have decided to make the date for the Re- Union Drink as Friday 12th Jan 2007 at The Windsor Castle (Front Bar) at 8.00pm. I shall contact several people, as will Terry Mahoney and Geoff Hopkins. So, if you were at The Old School 1973 - 1979, Please get in touch. We will put another message on the Board nearer the time to update who is going to come along . If you want to contact me please do so on Steve@Surefire.co.uk See you there !! - Steve Begley
STEVE BEGLEY <steve@surefire.co.uk>
SUNBURY, UK - Monday, November 13, 2006 at 09:25:54 (PST)


For anyone who is interested, I have now added the March 1960 issue of The Sinjun to the website at: http://www.sinjuns.racher.co.uk/SinjunsIndex.htm courtesy of Alan Wardle [1955-1960] who has kindly lent me his copy. He has also let me have a copy of The O.B.A. Gazette for January 1960, which I will also put up as soon as I have time. Best Wishes to everyone for Christmas and the New Year. Peter Racher [1953-1961].
Peter Racher <pfracher@racher.co.uk>
Ashurst Wood, West Sussex England - Friday, December 22, 2006 at 14:36:41 (PST)


 

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