Site Guestbook


Previous Page

Welcome to the Guestbook.
Click here to add your own messages and comments.

To send an email to someone - click on their name at the left of their Guest Book entry.
Your browser should then automatically transfer the address to your email application.
If not - then you can usually copy the email address by doing a right click on the name and selecting the option to "Copy shortcut" or "Copy email address" or something similar.
It can then be pasted into your email application's "To" address field.
You might have to remove "mailto:" from the start of the pasted text.
The contributors' email addresses are hidden in this way to reduce the risk of them being harvested for spam.

Message count:260

From: Message:
Lev Wood

I Left in: 1970
Date: Sunday, Dec 11 2022, 2:32am

Those years from 1965 through to the end of STHS were some of the happiest times of my life. The teachers were inspiring and pushed to get the very best out of the lads who attended. Difficult to say who was favourite for this is a personal and subjective matter. However I just loved Tec Drag with Jack Berriford, Geog and Big Jim plus Geol with Clive. And of course History with Frank the Sifta Salt. It was so good i did it myself for 15 years at another high school in the city before escaping to other work on behalf of young people. Far too boring to explain but i ended up to my surprise as a senior advisor in Community Safety for the Home Office. Without that start that STHS gave me personally...I just dont know. However and wherever those mentors are today may God Bless and keep you all safe and thank you for the priviledge to share those 'best years of my life'. Levison Wood
Michael Smolarz-Lambert

I Left in: 1965
Date: Monday, Sep 12 2022, 10:21pm

Left I think 1965, sorry only about 3 years at STHS. Remember Henry Higgins, Tony Rhodes and Peter Davies all like me from Bentilee.Left with nil qualifications my entire fault and regretted ever since. Still great school days.
Alan Bowen

I Left in: 1971
Date: Monday, Jul 25 2022, 3:08pm

Favourite teacher... Wachoo Taylor for woodwork. Still inspires me when i pick up a saw. Mr Machin, metalwork, who introduced me to Swarfega as a means of getting motorbike oil off my hands instead of using Daz. Mr Richards (?) history, who put me off the subject for life. Daddy Knight physics, great, Mr Rainbow, french, who I bumped into 30 years ago while taking my grade 1 piano exam. The smell of cold boiled potatoes still has me rushing back to the school dining room. I remember using a mechanical potato peeler in the school kitchen to grind polystyrene foam into "snow" for the school play.
David Scott

I Left in: 1961
Date: Thursday, Jan 13 2022, 2:42pm

Left in 1961 to go to Sheffield Uni to read architecture ,did go to 2002 Reunion and met up with Tom Platt, Brian Billington and Alan Orme. Did return to SoT 2005-2008:to work in Planning now live in Liverpool. Would be glad to hear from anyone who left in'61
David - Fred - Meir

I Left in: 1967
Date: Sunday, Dec 19 2021, 1:41am

I was a member of the 1966 u15 football team and I would love to know about any of my teammates. I know of Paul Garner a retired doctor in Downham Market and Phil Wright who I recall was a clinical psychologist in London. Know nothing about the others, I tried to copy the photo but it wouldn't happen. If you go to the sports pictures you will see that Mick Barlow added all the names. I would love to know about any of them - I now live in Canada so I am out of touch. Thanks
Alan Matthews

I Left in: 1960
Date: Friday, Nov 13 2020, 5:00pm

Feeling particularly nostalgic at the moment and would love to make contact with fellow students from my year and particularly those who were members of the 59/60 and 60/61 football and cricket 1st teams. John Edwards who was a member, like me, of all these teams, played football with me outside school but I left stoke on Trent in 1965 never to return to live and have lost contact.
John Britton

I Left in: 1966
Date: Saturday, Sep 5 2020, 2:57am

I attended from 1960 to 66, I remember Mr Berrisford mainly for his rubber hose treatment and ( rowdy Yates ) for his woodwork skills. I remember Andrew Abbey and also went to France in 63. I joined English Electric which became GEC and with them moved to New Zealand in 78. Joined Siemens NZ in 89 and became their first MD in 96. Then moved with Siemens to Brisbane Australia in 2000 retiring in 2016 as Regional GM Qld/ NT & PNG. Thanks to STHS for a great start in life, followed up at North Staffs Uni.
Barry Leese

I Left in: 1966
Date: Thursday, Aug 13 2020, 8:50am

Visit the website regularly and finally recognise a name from the past, Andrew (Abbey) was on the trip to France in 1963, it's good to know that he also remembers Mr Taylor ( woodwork ) a true gentleman who I attribute solely to my success in gaining my one O level, of course in woodwork! Not an academic obviously, much preferred to play football for East house. It did however get me an apprenticeship as a carpenter with Joules brewery which was envious in itself... SCTS (STHS) gave me the basis for common sense and logic which I believe in many fields is just as important as qualifications. I left Joules in 1971 to join the prison service retiring in 2006 as a prison governor. I thoroughly enjoyed my career which allowed me to serve in a number of establishments and meet some amazing people, yes from both sides of the fence! Now live in the Cotswolds after 12 years in Cyprus, feeling the aches and pains of age but my family still lives in the potteries and I drive past the gates of the old school often.. maybe I will knock on the door for a walk down memory lane... thank you Andrew for rekindling the memories. Best wishes to you all.
John Gilbert

I Left in: 1967
Date: Saturday, May 23 2020, 2:02pm

Hi anyone remember the trip to London 1966 ish to the London motor show and the incidents occurring .only remember Joe Gater ,
John Dale

I Left in: 1965
Date: Tuesday, May 12 2020, 6:42pm

Bumped into an old schoolmate ( Davies) in Akaroa New Zealand where he is a tour guide,he told me about the site. I was exited before O levels by Potts who said I had little discernible academic ability and would never succeed. After nearly 30 years as a University lecturer with 5 degrees at all levels plus professional qualifications in Business and Law,my students may agree with Potts ! I recollect a chap named Fox who taught us how to use cutlery,a Myatt who beat us regularly for trivial non compliance,a Harris who often gave me a lift from Hanley to school,a Glover who the big boys dismantled his moped and a Miss Kren who elicited impure thoughts from 14 year olds. The others were not overly memorable. Am now back in the area (retired)living near Stone but have neither heard of or seen any schoolmates in the UK for 50 plus years....where have they and time gone ?
Andrew Abbey

I Left in: 1967
Date: Saturday, Mar 28 2020, 5:44pm

Just found this brilliant website which has sparked a real burst of nostalgia. Now living near Salisbury after a long career in electronic engineering and software, mainly with IBM, and all founded on the brilliant teaching I received at STHS. And still using and appreciating the metalwork and woodwork skills taught by Mr Taylor and Mr George. Happy days!!
Tony Burgess

I Left in: 1970
Date: Monday, Jan 20 2020, 7:06pm

Had a reunion today with amongst others John Gilbert,Rob Wilkinson,Eddie Embury, Ian Stuart, Rob Stride all from Stanfields left in 1970.
Nosher Colclough

I Left in: 1965
Date: Friday, Oct 4 2019, 2:17am

Lessons in life. Jack Berrisford---upstairs at Moorland Road then at high L""ane....-"a point has position, but no size...Never represent a point by a dot, but by the itersection of two lines , e.g. "X".....Rubber hosepipe...rote learning..."". Dave Bancroft...., Radio Ham and Chem. Teacher..Radio Club.... Kev Pye, Chris Horrobin ?, Chris Barker, myself , all got Ham Radio Callsigns, for better or worse..... "Flush Twyford"....French....Started the secong you entered his class.Gee suweez, two es, eel est......Came handy a lot later in French Morocco , as it was at the time....... Daddy Night....Maths and Physics.He of the Flying Board Rubber, excellently aimed ..."Settle, Lad", as his favourite expression...... Frank "Sita" Salt.History...."History, Boy, is the passage of time..Time is the passage of history...Nothing hard there, boy"..... 1/3 pint milk in crates. If you were nimble- fingered and posessed a certain "Ninja" temperament, one could supplement mid-day break with a few bottles (Not guilty, mi'lud).... Mr. Toft and Mr. Grimshaw, long-suffering caretaker and chem lab assistant respectively...Unsung heroes....Made sure things were in the right place at the right time..... "Boris" Simnett...English Lit... Great chap for precise English...Think he creamed himself when I got an "A" in Eng. Lit.... Many more to remember , enough for tonight....watch this space.HAPPY DAZE, 73 de Howard.
Nosher Colclough

I Left in: 1965
Date: Tuesday, Oct 1 2019, 12:00pm

After leaving civvy street, applied myself as Medical Officer PMRAFNS for 22 yrs, leaving in the rank of Squadron Leader,,. then further 10 years with 4re. Legion Etrannger as Combat Medic ( foreigners are not allowed to hold officer rank in The Legion ), Leaving as Sergeant Chef......Thank the Lord for a decent grounding at STHS
Douglas Mitchinson

I Left in: 1967
Date: Friday, Aug 30 2019, 9:28am

I see that the Leader of HM s Opposition Mr Corbyn has an A Level in woodwork. For the life of me, I can t remember any of my contemporaries taking woodwork as GCE at either O or A level despite the wonderful workshops. Did we miss out on it? Same for metalwork with Mr George.
David Jones

I Left in: 1957
Date: Friday, Aug 16 2019, 3:32pm

The photographs of the Metalwork rooms at Moorland Road (said to be 1940s) are about 1954 as on the one labelled Number 4 I am on the far right by the lathe and the boy earnestly filing away at the bench is John Lockett. I recognise some of the other faces but can't put a name to them
Douglas Mitchinson

I Left in: 1967
Date: Monday, Aug 5 2019, 5:50pm

Yes, it was Mr Light. To this impressionable teenager he was so cool! Blowing the clarinet and wearing a sports jacket with leather elbow patches. Amazing the little details that stay. Well, I blow the clarinet and have a sports jacket but sadly not the leather patches. RIP Mr Light.
Douglas Mitchinson

I Left in: 1967
Date: Sunday, Jul 14 2019, 5:22pm

Is this the art teacher who played the clarinet in the school orchestra? I m sure it was but after 50 years I may be wrong!
Sths Webmaster

I Left in: 1966
Date: Friday, Jun 21 2019, 8:44pm

Here is the David Light announcement page where tributes can be left. A fine teacher and person. The mainstay of the school choir's training in the 1950/60s.
Terence Mandley

I Left in: 1967
Date: Tuesday, Jun 18 2019, 12:52pm

Sad To see another gifted teacher has passed away. He inspired many of us with his artistry and craft. R.I.P Mr D.G.Light (Osram to many)
Anthony Burgess

I Left in: 1970
Date: Tuesday, Jun 18 2019, 5:47pm

R.I.P. David Light. A Gentleman.
Derek Johnson

I Left in: 1963
Date: Thursday, Jul 26 2018, 9:13am

Did anyone still around go on the School Trip to Interlaken? Must have been around 1960'ish? I am looking for any photos taken or other info on the trip. The highlight of the trip was the train journey to the Jungfraujoch Glacier field on the rack and pinion railway inside the mountain with a viewing point on the north face of the Eiger. I went back there recently and was trying to locate the place where we stayed.
Phillip Woolley

I Left in: 1950
Date: Friday, Feb 9 2018, 10:40pm

My father Richard Woolley attended Stanfield in the 1940s and was always immensely proud of having done so, often recalling stories of studies, athletics, school trips and football. He passed away recently aged 84, which led me to find the site. It's a fantastic website, thank you.
John Gilbert(Noj)

I Left in: 1967
Date: Wednesday, Feb 7 2018, 8:05pm

Anyone out there at all who left in 1967, love to know how you are all doing, Brian Morley, Mick Thacker,Keith bailey,
John Forrest

I Left in: 1986
Date: Friday, Feb 2 2018, 7:48pm

my twin brother steve and I left in 86. I remember mr moore (history) and mr pemberton(biology). Also mr davis(liked to play golf on the school fields).miss breeze(history) was hot.she wasn't there long.great time. miss them so much.
Steve Peake

I Left in: 1962
Date: Wednesday, Nov 1 2017, 8:18am

It is with deepest regret to inform you of the passing of Billy"gritty"Grice.The funeral is at Carmount on Friday 3rd Nov.at 3 pm.
David Heathcote

I Left in: 1966
Date: Saturday, Oct 7 2017, 9:13am

I have only recently found this web site. Remember Mr Capey well, lived a few doors away from me. I have not seen any references to Mr Knight, he was one of my favourite teachers. He had teacher training after his military service. He was not allowed a cap & gown. He was an excellent teacher, made lessons interesting.
David Heathcote

I Left in: 1966
Date: Wednesday, Sep 20 2017, 7:44pm

I am in the photo of the trip to France in '63, second from left front row. I seem to remember tye two lads to my left, I also see a name in this guest book, Christopher Hewitt, that rings a bell. Mr Knight was form master, had a plaster cast on a finger and would tap you on the head with it as he walked around the class. He told great stories about the war. Happy days. Have a job to remember recent times though.
Alan Lowndes

I Left in: 1967
Date: Wednesday, Aug 2 2017, 0:23am

Trying to contact any old friends of Alan Lowndes born 1949. Graham Diss and Alan Meigh. Alan Lowndes sadly passed on 22nd July 2017. Please contact The Birches Head pub for funeral details.
John Gilbert (Noj)

I Left in: 1967
Date: Thursday, Jul 13 2017, 5:14pm

Good to see the site still running. Any of my classmates around, be nice to contact see how everyone doing.
Anthony Plant

I Left in: 1988
Date: Saturday, Jan 14 2017, 6:43am

I recently bumped in to Mrs. Mercer in Newcastle who taught English. She was a great teacher and seemed very well. The last person I used to have contact with was Steven Shaw. Anyone around ? I'll look from time to time just in case.
Joe Gater

I Left in: 1966
Date: Monday, Jan 9 2017, 3:11pm

Having moved to the USA in 1976 and hearing all about the reunions here, I was a little envious that I didn't stay more connected to the friends I had in the UK. Born in Hayward Hospital (across the street) and attending Stanfield Tech, I had not moved far until I left in 1966. Apprecticeship with Dictograph Telephone was the catalyst for the move to the USA. Dictograph was acquired by Telephone Rentals which ultimately relocated me to the USA. I see that my class is listed as: Class 1a 1962, form teacher acker booth class was , Baker, Barlow Barton Brindley Bown Capper Cooper Davies Edwards Foster Garner Gater Gilbert Glover Hawley Hodson Jones Leese Leigh Massey Meakin Miller Poole Rowe Rowley Slater Tyler Wooley Zablocki (deceased ). As both my parents are passed and I have no pictures from Stanfield, I would ask that if any of my class have pictures (from any of the four years)...PLEASE reach out to me.
Barry Montford

I Left in: 1949
Date: Saturday, Dec 10 2016, 7:59pm

I started work with the fore runner of the Central Electricity Generating Board. Studied part time and obtain BSc(Hon) in 1963 and MSc in 64. Later worked in the Canadian Nuclear industry for 22 years ultimately retirering in 1993. I now spend my time between my home in Dundas Ontario, and my cottage in Florida.
David Lovatt

I Left in: 1980
Date: Thursday, Aug 18 2016, 2:11pm

First Time I have been on this Site. I left in 1980 and remember the Teachers who were characters - David Moore ( History ) particularly, Mr Rainbow ( German and French ), Mr Hollinshead ( Geography ) My love of history is very much due to David. Very sorry to hear that Mr Hollinshead and Mrs Jeffries have Died. I remember some of the fellow pupils who were also real chracters.
Chris Hewitt (Chewitt Or Slim)

I Left in: 1966
Date: Thursday, May 26 2016, 6:15pm

I left after doing a 3rd year sixth to go to UC London. Now spend summers in Knypersley and the rest of the year in Andros Bahamas.
Richard Hodson (Ginch)

I Left in: 1966
Date: Monday, Apr 25 2016, 11:54am

All the class of 1a in sept 1962 will be drawing their old age pensions this year, unreal, where's the time gone.?
Richard Hodson (Ginch)

I Left in: 1965
Date: Sunday, Apr 17 2016, 2:09pm

Class 1a 1962, form teacher acker booth class was , Baker, Barlow Barton Brindley Bown Capper Cooper Davies Edwards Foster Garner Gater Gilbert Glover Hawley Hodson Jones Leese Leigh Massey Meakin Miller Poole Rowe Rowley Slater Tyler Wooley Zablocki (deceased ).
Adrian E Insull

I Left in: 1960
Date: Friday, Apr 1 2016, 9:16am

I went to Stanfields after passing the 13+ in 1957 and was in the same class as Pete Williams, Mickey DeVille, Ivan Baker etc. I carried on studies at North Staffs Poly (HNC in Elec Eng)and, after doing a Student Apprenticeship with Midlands Electricity Board, went to CEGB Northern Project Group in Cheadle Hulme, designing DRAX Power Station, before returning to MEB (and its successor privatised reincarnations). At their HQ I became the System Design Manager and then the High Voltage Circuits Manager companywide before retiring in 2001. I have been married for 47 years, have two adult children (a schoolteacher and an airline pilot) and three grandsons. I would like to hear from any of my classmates.
Tony Clarke

I Left in: 1963
Date: Sunday, Sep 6 2015, 6:47pm

Not been on the site for a long time so updating my out of date email address. Anyone remember my black Citroen light 15. Andy Peat's dad owned the Citroen garage in Longton which was handy when I needed spares, which was very often.
Robert Morgan

I Left in: 1986
Date: Wednesday, Dec 24 2014, 8:03pm

was in class (w) teacher i had for signing me in to make sure i came Mrs.Phillips.
Phil Wright

I Left in: 1969
Date: Saturday, Nov 22 2014, 8:06am

Hello to all of you ex- Stanfielders ! I was lucky enough to attend from 1962-69 and was usually known as 'Pongo' or 'Wrongo' ( surname Wright ) or inevitably as 'Lefty'.

Loved my 7 years immensely and have kept in touch with quite a number of ex-pupils and staff, mostly through the Old Boys Football and Cricket matches I helped to run for 30+ years.
Many of the teaching staff we came across in the 60's and previously had never trained as teachers, having come in through the post-war back door of commerce and industry, so they either didn't realise or care that they shouldn't really set fire to kids or whack 'em with steel rulers for coughing or breathing !!!

Many other teachers though, were tuned in and dedicated and none more so than our much loved " Diddy-Man", Clive Hollinshead. So, so sad to hear of his passing recently...this great educator, small of stature, but the biggest heart ever !

Thank you Clive, it was a great privelege to have known you and been taught by you.

I left Stanfields and had a spell playing football at Crewe Alex and Wolves but before leaving sixth-form, Dennis Wilshaw ( RIP), ex-Wolves, England and our coach at Stoke-on-Trent and Staffs schoolboys recommended me to Chelsea F.C and for a place at St. Mark's College, London University.

The football didn't pay much in those days so I opted to become a P.E. & Special Needs Teacher, which I loved and pursued for many years. At the Millenium I made major life changes and became an ex-teacher. I retrained and obtained my Doctorate in the U.S.A as a forensic psychologist,and still love the work, as well as still investing in many property and land purchases, again in the United States.

I re-married and am lucky to have a beautiful young wife who is a gifted sports-person and P.E.teacher ( we play squash, tennis, football, golf and swimming non-stop) and have a beautiful, highly talented 8 year old son.

We live on the Essex / Suffolk border and would love to hear from any ex- Stanfield Tech guys, to learn about what you are up to and of your most fond or outrageous Stanfield memories. Please drop me a line [Ed. click on name in left column to generate email address]

It was a riot of a laugh at school, yet we were simultaneously being taught life lessons and material that has made us stand out and be confident in our respective fields...we were all very lucky.

Thank you to the fellows who set up and run the absolutely superb s.t.h.s website and mai I place on record my eternal gratitude to all our teachers, still with us or sadly passed on and to you, my fellow pupils. I loved your company and our school. Get in touch !!
Terence Mandley

I Left in: 1967
Date: Wednesday, Nov 19 2014, 9:40pm

Another sad loss unfortunately. Mr Hollinshead A.K.A Clive or by many as diddyman passed away on November 8th aged 71. An extremely popular teacher will be well remembered by those who had the pleasure to be taught by him. (Sentinel obituaries monday November 17th).
John Gilbert

I Left in: 1967
Date: Tuesday, Nov 18 2014, 7:21pm

Sad to hear of the passing of Mr Clive Hollinshead(Diddyman) last week. He was a diamond teacher with a sense of humour, we'll liked
Tony Burgess

I Left in: 1970
Date: Wednesday, Nov 12 2014, 11:41am

Sad to learn of the death of Clive Hollinshead. A truly decent man. R.I.P Diddyman.
Levison Wood

I Left in: 1970
Date: Sunday, Nov 2 2014, 12:36pm

What more can be said about the 'Tech' if you were fortunate to be taught by some wonderful Masters during the sixties. Perhaps we didnt appreciate it then but the influence some of these people had were truly amazing. Who can forget Jack, Frankie, Big John and the likes of Daddy. Thanks for the memories of those halcyon days when you lit up our lives. To those who have passed like Bert and several others you gave us the best possible start
P. Baker

I Left in: 1972
Date: Friday, Oct 10 2014, 12:34pm

I left in 1972,a few good memories, but mostly hated school with a passion. Noticed a big difference in teachers attitudes when in the 5th we had the first intake of girls. Liked woodwork & the immortal words of Taylor quarter from the end square a line, end square a line[lots of wood around to hit you with though] had to take metalwork when we had to take up Tech drag in the 3rd because I got better marks than in woodwork[some option that was, I hated metalwork]Always remember History in the first year with Richards/Richardson?? in the summer he used to use one of the lads tennis rackets to smash chalk down at you [better than the board rubber]. Games was a nightmare loved football but too many objects in the gym to beat you with. Anyone remember Pam Brain one of the few women teachers there [till she got married]Daddy Knight I was fascinated by such things as "stop waffling" & "what you doing tossing up". French would have been useful to learn but it was mega boring the way we were taught. Physics Chemistry & Biology love those subjects now but thought they were boring as taught by messers Burton Yates & Tommy Bullfrog. What can I say about careers advice!!!! Yelland - "what you going to do when you leave?" Me - "not sure sir a lot of my friends have gone into engineering works" Yelland - "best of luck" bit late for any advise when your leaving? Always loved sports but we never had a sports day "WHY" [unless I was always off when it happened]Too much homework some night I was up till eleven doing it, it was alright each teacher saying I've only given you half an hour X number of subjects came to a lot of work at home when you got home 5 O'clock gone 9lived the Longton end of the world - Blurton]. Met some good lads there some I briefly came across in later life Jimmy Dono got me a good job in the Surveying office at Hem Heath, Mark Lyttleton saw him a few times in Hanley, Played footy against Keith Toothill [Jubilee club Trent Vale] but mostly was told most of the year I was in had passed away?? [is this true] Now work at Royal Mail with Bob Stride, Micky Groom used to get me tickets to watch the match at Stoke. Missed out on the education of life. Social skills were sadly lacking in my early years away from school due to a lack of not mixing with the opposite sex. Still nice to see this sight and look at some of the old faces again, my how time makes you forget
Peter Jackson

I Left in: 1962
Date: Monday, Sep 22 2014, 11:30am

,what a nightmare on arriving in 1957,a 6[six] day timetable[who thought that up]some pupils thought it meant we came on Saturdays???Then we found that we were expected to[whatever the weather] to trudge between high lane and the Victorian edifice that was moorland rd.though it was nice in the park even whilst rushing through to hopefully get some dinner.later on with my kids it was very refreshing to encounter teachers who really cared for your kids and were prepared to go the extra mile to help pupils the only things I can remember about the bunch of misfits we had was that they left at night before we did??? and as for relating to the pupils who were their responsibility it was a complete and utter waste of time re.bullying,pastoral issues or even help if you had been off sick!!!!! not an enjoyable 5 years at all.
Ray Reynolds

I Left in: 1965
Date: Sunday, Sep 7 2014, 10:50pm

Sad to hear that Bert Capey has passed away. I was one of his violinists from 62 - 65 when I left . I also played in the Moorland youth orchestra that he ran outside of the school so I spent some time in his company. He was totally immersed in his love of music and something drove him to share this with the young folks that he worked with.

I spoke to him just before the 2002 reunion and he said he was sad not to be able to attend as he was in poor health. He also told me that Jack Berrisford had been in touch from a nursing home in Cumbria and asked him to do the music at his funeral but he couldn't see himself doing it - it seems he had a few more years in him nevertheless!

On a lighter note I remember one thing that would wind him up - that was when we would all sing the school hymn when in fact we should be singing Ride on Ride on In Majesty which had the same tune. It's just that when we heard the intro it seemed the thing to do! Also on one occasion I had taken a record player in to school at the christmas end of term when we were in Dan Thomas's class (1964). Dan left us to it but returned to hear a record called "Jungle Drums" playing rather loudly, to which he retorted "turn that down - you'll have the natives coming". Just at that moment Bert Capey came in to the room and quick as a flash Dan Thomas said "there what did I tell you!" Not kind to Bert but I always remember that for it being so removed from the usual teacher - pupil relationship.

Despite poor health Bert continued organising choirs throughout his life and deserves huge respect for developing the love of music with literally thousands of people in his lifetime. RIP Bert.
Tony Boulton

I Left in: 1967
Date: Friday, Aug 15 2014, 2:17am

I would like to add my comments, too, following the news that Mr Bert Capey passed away aged 93.
His love of music added to that which had been instilled in me as a child. I shall never forget those mornings in assembly when, dissatisfied with the quality and enthusiasm of our singing of the hymns, Mr. Capey would stand up and stop the orchestra by rapping his baton on the top of the grand piano. He would then proceed to tell us where we had been going wrong - pointing to punctuation in the hymns and musical aspects of the singing. There are hymns I hear today that still remind me of that element of our education. What a blessing he was.
T. Mandley

I Left in: 1967
Date: Tuesday, Aug 12 2014, 7:49pm

Sad news yesterday to see Mr. Capey(Bert) has passed away at the age of 92. I'm sure many were inspired like me to take a greater interest in music.
David Whittaker (Whittie)

I Left in: 1972
Date: Friday, May 23 2014, 9:04pm

Anyone from class 5c, leaving in 1972 remember me? Maybe we could organise a mass get-together some time.
David Whittaker (Whittie)

I Left in: 1972
Date: Friday, May 23 2014, 8:44pm

anybody remember me??? if you do, why not get in touch...it's always good to hear from old mates!!
John Edge

I Left in: 1966
Date: Wednesday, Feb 19 2014, 3:31pm

Would love to contact Arthur Boothby, Keith Dytor,or anyone else from the same year.
Alan J Jones

I Left in: 1957
Date: Monday, Sep 9 2013, 2:20am

I would like to congratulate Peter Bloor on his excellent memory piece on the Tech. I particularly enjoyed his review of staff cars, but also his recollections of each and very staff member that had an impact on us all. In my adopted language "Gud-on-ya Pete"
Kevin Hendley

I Left in: 1965
Date: Tuesday, Jul 30 2013, 7:32pm

mr Nixon was my favourite teacher,a lovely bloke who liked a bit of fun but still kept discipline.
Pam Brown

I Left in: 1976
Date: Sunday, Jun 30 2013, 9:41pm

I remember Mr Nixon's lessons very well.I was a member of the second intake of girls to the school. I think he found having girls in the class fascinating, I am not sure if he believed me when I announced that I could make a jewellary box. With a lot of help and patience from him I did make a beautiful box and I still have it today!!. I loved his lessons, great teacher.
Lynn Holford (Now Meredith)

I Left in: 1986
Date: Tuesday, Mar 19 2013, 1:44pm

Mr Pemberton (Biology), Mr Ridgeway (Guinness - Chemistry), Mr Nixon (woodwork) Mr Moore (History) Mr Hollinshead (Geography), Mr Plant (maths), Mr Rainbow (French) Mr Kaype (not sure of the spelling there - music), Mr Beresford - Tec drag ! I'm 50 years old now and can remember all of them - great days !
Dave Walsh

I Left in: 1973
Date: Wednesday, Mar 13 2013, 8:04pm

Only just found this site it bought back so many happy memories with a great bunch of class mates and good to see the 1970 picture of us all (even Daddy Knight looks young).
Julie Harrison

I Left in: 1980
Date: Monday, Feb 11 2013, 9:45pm

Lovely to read all about the school and teachers again. Be nice get back in touch with anyone who remembers me.
Tracey (nee Dale) Mountford

I Left in: 1986
Date: Thursday, Feb 7 2013, 1:15am

Happy memories of my time at Stanfields High, Burslem. I was in Mr Moore's tutor class in 1986, class 'x'.
John Holdcroft

I Left in: 1969
Date: Friday, Jan 4 2013, 5:00pm

In the late 60s a group of us travelled into Hanley during lunch break. We went to a Radio Show at the Rank and someone was interviewed by the D.J. This went out live and was picked up by members of staff taking their lunch in the Staff room. On our return it became obvious that some,possibly, derogatory comments had been made.Some Staff were trying to find out who had been in Hanley at the time. I do not think they ever found out. Could the instigators shed any light. Do any former members of Staff or Pupils remember this incident.
Allan Lancett

I Left in: 1973
Date: Thursday, Jan 3 2013, 12:52pm

hi everybody just found out about the site from an older sths boy than me really good to see the comments yes steph remember your tackle with the bin stand nice to see the school photo and all the old mates on there musky oz haz pike peakey frank deano mini nellie anyone know if we re due a get together i would be interested let me know allan "lance" lancett
Michael Neate

I Left in: 1965
Date: Saturday, Dec 15 2012, 10:34pm

Had a brilliant time at this school in what was regarded as its golden period. After being influenced by Jack Berrisford and Keith Yates decided to trade as a teacher in Handicrafts. Went to Goldsmiths College and returned to Stoke-on-Trent whereupon I taught what is now called Design and Technology for 36 years. Early retirement was taken gracefully in 2003 and now enjoying the fruits of my labours with a variety of interests.
Mike Neate

I Left in: 1965
Date: Wednesday, Dec 5 2012, 11:58pm

The best days of my life in a golden period of the school
Phil Walsh

I Left in: 1979
Date: Sunday, Nov 11 2012, 3:51pm

can not believe it's 34 years since digger smith took me under his wing and me dinner money come to think of it great days miss them loads
Gordon Nixon's grandson

I Left in:
Date: Monday, Oct 8 2012, 11:03pm

Hi all, Sad day today - my grandad Gordon Nixon passed away at his home in Weston Coyney. I wrote on this guest book some four years ago, and received some interesting emails from you guys who were taught by him. I'm sure those who were taught by him understand what a great guy he was.

Once again I'd love to hear from anybody who was taught by him or remembers him.

Cheers, Dave Nixon
David Routledge

I Left in: 1961
Date: Wednesday, Aug 22 2012, 3:34pm

Just found this website - what memories I have of the old Moorland Road school with the metalwork shop that was once a morgue. The walk through the park to High Lane and later, the building of the new school. Who remembers Bill Potts and Tracker Howell
Stephen Lodey

I Left in: 1970
Date: Tuesday, Jun 26 2012, 10:32am

Love this site and especially the 1970 school photo. Can't believe I ever looked like that. I have very few memories of this part of my life but I am recognising teacher and pupil names. Please get in touch if you remember me. Retired in Jan 2012 so have plenty of time on my hands.
Tony Davies

I Left in: 1966
Date: Monday, Apr 16 2012, 11:01pm

Only just found this site and so much seems to have happened since I attended Stanfield Tech.I was there from 1963-66 after passing my 13+ and I would be pleased to hear from anyone who can remember me.
Dave Hunt

I Left in: 1960
Date: Thursday, Mar 15 2012, 0:25am

oh dear, so sad to learn the passing of Mr George. taught myself in the 1950's and later both my sons in the 70's and 80's.Fondly remembered R.I.P
David Fred Meir

I Left in: 1967
Date: Wednesday, Jan 4 2012, 8:04pm

We are coming to the UK in June/July this year. Are there any plans for a reunion? A get together? It would be fun.
Dave Hunt

I Left in: 1960
Date: Tuesday, Oct 11 2011, 10:06pm

re Frank Wrights comments its only 51 years now since i could claim to be fierce and fast! frightening thought ain't it? still a keen bowler though, but crown green variety nowadays at Bucknall Private. Come on the rest of class 1960, lets have some more memories...dave
Jeff Keen

I Left in: 1969
Date: Sunday, Sep 4 2011, 5:27pm

I recently looked at the website after reading the Sentinel The Way We Were section with former pupils recollections of Stanfield. The first articles made me laugh when it spoke of teachers ranging from the eccentric to the downright crazy. One teacher that must be written down in folklore was Daddy Knight. I think he was my first year classroom master and by the second year everybody could do excellent impressions of him.He would always click his fingers then point directly at his target with his index finger and say something like " Will you settle down boy I won't tell you again". Another character was Jack Berrisford who at the end of every lesson would get out a large wooden stick to measure the distances between each desk to ensure they had not moved during his lesson. I managed to get O level Technical Drawing probably out of fear due to a length of thick rubber hose that he used to smash against the desk tops to get your attention. One or two desk tops showed what could only be described as earthquake fault lines where they had been hit and you were anxious not to get it across your backside.So God bless him we paid attention and got a good education. I recall metalwork classes where your attempt at a companion set for the fire or similar would be be held up to the light and studied from every angle and given every consideration before being thrown from great distances anywhere in the class straight into a metal bin followed by "start again". Looking back now at the school photo of me about 46 years later it's a pleasure to try and identify the other pupils and friends that received a good education from some true characters and bloody good teachers.
Frank Wright

I Left in: 1960
Date: Tuesday, Aug 30 2011, 8:53pm

Having discovered your website I enjoyed reading the messages. Stanfield was a great school and I particularly remember two teachers who inspired and encouraged me, Mr Berrisford and Mr Salt. I remember Dave "Judge" Hunt as a fierce fast bowler, and didn't Ivor Austin win money on a quiz show answering questions about wild birds? After leaving I ended up working with several ex pupils :- David Hood, Tony Davis, Ray Tooth, Geoff Wilkinson, Graham Ruscoe, Harry Long, Stuart Oakes, Ken Clayton, all of us eventually going our own way.
Alan Welch

I Left in: 1952
Date: Monday, Aug 22 2011, 12:25am

I am so excited to discover your website. I now live in California (43 years). Recently I have been communicating with a fellow old boy, George Bentley, who still has connections with the school. Each year I return to England and met up with George this year in Alsager.
Julian Eagles

I Left in: 1965
Date: Saturday, Aug 20 2011, 2:51pm

Thanks to Mr George,whose metalwork lessons gave me a lifelong interest in engineering. I can remember the model steam locomotive that he built and was displayed in his workshop.
Roger Burchell

I Left in: 1964
Date: Friday, Aug 12 2011, 10:40am

Was it Mr Ballham that prowled the corridors at break time with his fist out-stretched to keep everyone in line?
David Austin

I Left in: 1955
Date: Saturday, Apr 16 2011, 6:34pm

a really good site and remembering good times at a great school with fefe taylor as our form master, top right on 1956 photo is Alan Tellwright who went to michelin with ron lee
Ivor John Maddox

I Left in: 1952
Date: Sunday, Apr 10 2011, 12:57pm

I started at the Burslem Junior Technical School in Moorland Road in 1949, having failed the 11 plus examination twice when at Oakhill School. I was shocked by the strictness at BJTS, both physical and academic. I soon began to develop intellectually and won several prizes, though my main interest was in soccer. Managed by Ted Pemberton I was left-half in the team that won three trophies, including the Daily Dispatch Shield for North Staffordshire. I became Professor of Pure Mathematics in The Queen's University at the age of 34. I remember especially the superb teaching of John Simnett, Philip Mountford and J.E. Bailiff. I consider that I was better taught at BJTS and SCTS than at any Grammar School.
Paul Kelsall

I Left in: 1969
Date: Wednesday, Mar 23 2011, 10:17pm

greetings from the U.S.A-What great memories after seeing some of the names on the site.I used to hang out with Alan Maskery(who I still keep in touch with),Dave Foster,Paul Skellern and Keith Davies.Been trying to get in touch with Pete Mellor but keep getting bounced back from site. I can be reached @ [click email name at left Ed.].Cheers to all (Elsy)
Fr David Mellor

I Left in: 1967
Date: Sunday, Feb 13 2011, 11:58am

Does anyone know the whereabouts of Mrs Thomas who taught us French when we began in 1960? She was the first female member of staff to be appointed.
Ian Massey

I Left in: 1965
Date: Monday, Dec 27 2010, 5:27pm

Stanfield Tech. was an excellent school that provided a good basic education and a platform for me to obtain the degree of Master of Engineering from Sheffield. Have had a wonderful career and emigrated to the United States in 1983. Ran a few US Companies until retirement. On a recent visit to the UK I tried to find the School site but got lost in the one-way system in Hanley Good to find this Website
Stuart Hancock

I Left in: 1976
Date: Thursday, Dec 2 2010, 1:03pm

It amazes me how we fail to see the lessons both academically and emotionally that we gain from our times at School, until these lessons show themselves up in our later lives, thank you for giving me so much to build my life and my belief's upon.
Tony Mansell

I Left in: 1956
Date: Thursday, Apr 22 2010, 8:00am

Great site. Pleased to find my old school photo.My old mate named as ?Leighton his christian name was John
Tony Burgess

I Left in: 1970
Date: Thursday, Jul 13 2009, 8:23pm

wonderful site.I recall some great teachers and unfortunately others who were a disgrace to the job. Best of all brilliant classmates and such laughs! So much nostalgia looking at the 1970 photo. Hope those who remember me are keeping well.
Rob Miller

I Left in: N/A
Date: Monday, Jul 6 2009, 5:07am

None
Mark Turner

I Left in: N/A
Date: Monday, Jun 15 2009, 3:10pm

finding out information on a Cyril Baker.

he is on your roll of honour board as he died during ww2 as a lancaster pilot. He is a family relative so any pics or photos would be valuable. many thanks
Frank Towers

I Left in: 1976
Date: Monday, Jun 8 2009, 4:31pm

hello trying to find a few old school freinds living in chesterfield now married 16 years 5 grand kids any old mates please get in touch love to here from you
Brian Wood

I Left in: 1963
Date: Wednesday, May 27 2009, 9:39pm

Does anybody remember Mr. Thomas's forget-me-nots? I do. I had to do quite a few.

The cultivation of an efficient memory is an essential factor in the educational development of every technical student
Webmaster

I Left in: 1966
Date: Tuesday, May 26 2009, 11:26pm

The question of another reunion is raised occasionally - but it seems most unlikely. The 2002 Reunion was the culmination of a year's fervent interest after Derek Johnson started both the web site and Yahoo Group. That level of interest was almost certainly associated with the general public awareness of the Friends Reunited web site. The reunion was very successful on all counts - but it did seem to satiate the interest. The barometer was the Stanfields Yahoo Group - and the activity on that died away almost immediately following the event.

The STHS web site has a trickle of updates each month that are slowly filling the gaps in the picture names.

At the risk of tempting The Fates - it seems likely that the three "School hymns" really will get recorded this year.
Michael Dunleavy (Seamus)

I Left in: 1971
Date: Saturday, May 9 2009, 6:13pm

A wonderful website. The school photo brought back many memories - Mr Knight's tales of his army days, trips to Stanley pool (got me into caving & rock climbing), locking Mr Toft under the gym by pushing his broom through the door handles then going off to play football (we got the cane and detention for that one), camping trips to Scotland and much more. The names in the class register are engrained in my mind, as are the faces and nicknames of my classmates - where are they now? I don't, however, recall much about my education at Stanfield. Since leaving the school I gained a PhD (chemistry) and joined the multi-disciplinary research world within BAE Systems. I am married and we live in the interesting and fun city of Bristol (>30 years). When at school I was frequently reminded by teachers that my schooldays would be the happiest days of my life. How wrong they were! Nevertheless, I would love to see the old school and past mates - will there be another ! reunion?
Paul Lovatt

I Left in: 1979
Date: Thursday, Apr 16 2009, 12:44pm

great years loved them all except the occasional visit to Mr Johnsons office for a chat but still some great memories now living in Shellharbour NSW Australia like to hear from anyone from that year
Malcolm Bennison

I Left in: 1948
Date: Thursday, Apr 2 2009, 2:51pm

I attended JTS from 1945-48, then went on to Stoke Tech or North Staffs Technical College to take London Matriculation prior to joining the National Coal Board and qualifying as a Mine Surveyor and worked at Victoria and Norton Colleries until 1977.
I am very impressed with the website,which brings back many happy memories.
Best Wishes for the future,
Kind Regards,
Malcolm Bennison.
Fred Meir

I Left in: 1967
Date: Monday, Mar 23, 2009, 9:25pm

Sad News - although I am over here in Canada, David Dawson who was same age, same class, bit of a character, bit of fun, sadly passed on. You can see him on the 1965 school picture Row 7.68
Barry Bridgwood

I Left in: 1961
Date: Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009, 7:54am

I well remember my first day at Stanfield in 1958 when it was still at Moorland Road opposite the park and we had to commute, at lunchtime, up to the High Lane site via the park and across the waste ground to the side of the Port Vale football ground - its practice field, or should I say mud field was our school football pitch! During the walk from Moorland Road to High Lane a favourite stop for us boys was the local newsagents at the north side of the park where we could press our noses up against the glass and view the heavily touched out photographs of the ladies in 'Spick and Span', QT and 'Health and Beauty!! High Lane was still under construction and the various bits of accommodation consisted of pre-fab type buildings and housed classrooms for woodwork, brickwork and plumbing etc. I recall at lunchtime we would walk down to the local newsagents shop in the road between the school and the hospital and buy single Park Drive or Woodbines - totally illegal now but offered by a sympathetic shop owner at the time!

It was great to see the school photograph taken in 1958 with a very young but 'incredibly handsome' young me in the second row (still spelling my name incorrectly with an 'e').

Since leaving Stanfield I have enjoyed an incredibly full and rewarding life far too long winded in description to go into here but would love to hear from school collegues with whom I enjoyed my time at the school - Nil Nisi Labore.
Nigel Keeling

I Left in: 197?
Date: Friday, Mar 13, 2009, 8:26pm

Hello, I'm Nigel Keeling, aka Kern to all who knew me. I was in mister Gibsons class from the mid to late 60s. Can't remember the years exactly. People will probably remember me being off school for a long time with head injuries. This affected my memory of my years at sths. I've been trying to recall class names, here goes, Bentley, Bolt, Bryson, Caddy, Copestake, Cork, Harrington, Harrison, Hodgkiss, Hough, Keeling. Believe it or not but I recall not one name after that, weird eh? There were 32 in the class, B stream. Used to hero worship Mr gibson even though we got clobbered regularly with his black gym pump. lol. Never any arguing in his class. Couldn't stand Mr Rainbow the French teacher. Thought Mr (daddy) Night, sometimes known as "woohar" cos of his smokers cough, was ace. Are there ever any reunions? Cheers. Nige.
Mark Hood

I Left in: 1968
Date: Sunday, Jan 25, 2009, 2:20pm

Some additional information on Terry Hollin's photograph of the 1996-67 under 15 football first X1. The team won the Senior City Knock Out Cup beating Berryhill High School 3-0 in the final, which was played at Northwood Stadium.

Missing name from the back row - Dave Mills.
Chris Sutton

I Left in: n/a
Date: Saturday, Jan 17, 2009, 12:56pm

I have just come across your site and found the class photo from 1948 which includes my father Stan Sutton.

He passed away a few years ago and I'm currently writing up his life history. He used to refer to one of his old teachers as "Fag Ash". Dad was a keen sportsman and represented the school I understand in many sports especially football. He was spotted by Wolverhampton Wanderers and offered a professional trial but his mother refused to allow him to go. He also recounted an occasion when he and fellow class mates stink bombed Stoke station for which they all received the cane. Some may also remember him for his very powerful singing voice.

If you are in contact with any of my dad's class mates then I would be interested in getting in contact with them if you could pass on my contact details.

Thanks.
Steve Jackson ( Jake )

I Left in: 1966
Date: Sunday, Jan 11, 2009, 12:04pm

Hello to anybody that remembers me.
Lifes been for too varied and complicated to stick a précis here.!!
Keith Fone

I Left in: 1967
Date: Saturday, Jan 3, 2009, 4:08pm

A very nostalic experience! I was a member of the Radio Club along with Mr Adams, Des Richards, Malcolm Ratcliffe, Geoff Harrison just to name but a few. After a varied career including Chemist, Training Consultant and Stock Controller, I am now 'back to school' as a Science Technician specialising in physics at a local school and often refer back to knowledge gained at the Radio Club when making equipment. If anybody remembers me, please leave a message here with any memories. Thanks for a great website. Keith.
Les Lamb

I Left in: 1970
Date: Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008, 9:47am

A great site - well done. It's fantastic to look at the old photo's and see lads I remember - Robert Baddeley, Andrew Harris and, unfortunately, many I don't. Ditto the teachers but memories of those who were characters linger on. Spuda Murphy - flicking his hair and sneeking into Diddy Hollinshead's class to ask for a fag. I had a real shock when I found Spuda to be Headteacher at my own childrens high school. Sifta Salt sitting crosslegged on his desk, reciting a story from history. There were many more that everybody will remember. Unfortunately I hated what the school did to me - taught what didn't interest me and led me into a career I hated (Draughtsman at Rolls Royce), but I can't help but have some fond memories of the old place.
Howard 'skoda' Cope

I Left in: 1973
Date: Sunday, Dec 1, 2008, 1:06am

Just a update whilst browsing ;0) and yes i remember Mr Nixon please pass on my best,woodwork wasn't my favourite lesson cos i was crap at it but then again i was crap at everything but mainly French LOL,so many memories remain in dribs and drabs-mainly bad ones but thats life ;0),a few i remember...going on a school trip armed with a stink bomb and being egged on to let it off on the bus-which i did and was promptly grassed up ! a fight between two hard lads outside the gates resulting in one getting a broken arm and being treated in the hayward hospital,a lad from another form getting thrown down the grass embankment and altho a spectator i was there so i had the strap as well and a war breaking out between 'them and us', a idiot burning my hand with a bunson burner and me having to make out it was a accident(another hayward job),getting caught up in the great pencil case thefts(oh the shame ;0( Mrs Riley ? trying to teach,nobody taking a blind bit of notice and ! her running out in tears - prompting a visit from the deputy head,detention and apology from us all, a teacher who used to clip you across the head and me with my head on the desk not seeing it coming,lifted my head up and getting the biggest wack of my life ! smoking on the corner of the physics block,throwing the javelin(not to badly as i recall ;0),cross country runs back of the Vale ;0(,'borrowing' Tizer of the wagons parked by the vale cafe(not me officer),buying 5 park drive on the way to school then progressed to 10 No6 (lung cancer what was that ?) Girls arriving at a all boys school(shock/horror),developing an interest in science fiction and reading 'level 7' in the school library,being told by a visiting school doctor i had bronchitis and must go home immediately-didn't even have a cough(result !) daddy knights war cry whoo-ha ;0)lining up outside the deputy heads office for another misdemeanor and getting the strap,pump,cane,a lad named ginger leaving at 15,tryin! g to look up miss browns skirt ;0P,a lad being told to get some eldow grease and asking where from(i kid you not-or perhaps its a trick of my memory) ...happy days and it never did me any harm ;0)so please get in touch via H.M.Prison STANTECH
Skoda
Mick Gater

I Left in: 1974
Date: Sunday, Oct 5, 2008, 1:24pm

re.Mr. Nixon(woodwork teacher), I remember him very well, even though I didn't take woodwork beyond 3rd. year. I seem to remember that he was known to one and all as '4be' as in 4x2. He was a gent!
Lynn Webb

I Left in: 1978
Date: Thursday, Oct 2, 2008, 7:03pm

hi do u remember me as the geek
Jeff Downes (Dick)

I Left in: 1970
Date: Monday, Sep 29, 2008, 11:36pm

At stanners from 1965 to1970 when we were the first students at the 6th form college
Gordon Nixon

I Left in: n/a
Date: Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008, 10:06pm

Hi all im writing this for my grandad who was Mr G.W Nixon (woodwork teacher) wondering if any of you knew him or were taught by him, would love to hear from you so as i can pass the message back.
Douglas Mitchinson

I Left in: 1966
Date: Friday, Sep 5, 2008, 11:15am

I popped into the school at the beginning of August, I haven't seen the place for years and years. Wow! I was very impressed. So many changes, but the hall looks very much the same. I could still see Bill Potts and Tracker sitting there, while Mr. Capey played the piano. Couldn't get much of a look as there were workmen everywhere, but the caretakeer dug out an old school photo (many thanks) and I was on it which brought a huge laugh from my wife. I'm also on the 'old boys' board; I'm very proud to be amongst so many that I regarded as much more clever than me! Good luck to all the present students, remember Nothing without Work.
Charlie Gray

I Left in: 1968
Date: Monday, Aug 25, 2008, 12:06pm

Have been looking looking at the 1967 under 15 football team.Sadly Dave Street no longer with us. In the Malt n Hops in Fenton Roy and Dave Pattison, Michael Meakin, John Wooley and myself see each other quite often. I work at the City General where I saw Minky Potts.The tech drawing teacher was Jack Berrisford that someone wanted to know.
Charlie Gray

I Left in: 1968
Date: Friday, Aug 8, 2008, 4:59pm

where he was working as an electrian also where I now work. Would be nice to hear from anyone who was in the same year
John Waterson

I Left in: 1971
Date: Friday, Jul 18, 2008, 3:55pm

Well what can I say not been here for a while (2002). A lot has happened since the last reunion apart from me killing my PC and losing all my Mail tabs.
John Wainwright died just over two years ago which was a great loss to me being best mates since school days. Even though I live in Germany since 1974 we were in touch every week and he was a regular visitor coming over a couple of times a year.
Then I crashed my bike, hitting a deer at 70 mph.
That put my on my back for six months although it hasn`t put me off my bikes,bought another before I was fit to ride again,obviously bigger and faster than the last. Then bought a shop/house with my fiancee and have been working on it since, seems never ending.
Now I´ve got a bit of time for my pc having been blated with a second bout of cancer,this one different than the first which was almost twenty years ago.
Two months of radiation coming up but should be sorted by christmas, hope to get back to stoke next year for a week or so. a big sorry to people who have sent me a mail as I changed my mail address
(Webmaster says - To send an email then click on the name at the left of their Guest Book entry.)

Best wishes to all who know me and a big hello to Jenks who left Fallingbostel without saying goodbye.
Steve Birch

I Left in: 1971
Date: Monday, Jul 14, 2008, 2:19pm

just found this site, brings back memories.

Who was the Technical Drawing teacher who used to measure distance between desks and wrap your knuckles with the ruler if it was out of line?
Jim Dutton

I Left in: 1951
Date: Wednesday, Jun 18, 2008, 10:11pm

Attending at the same time:- Angus Macmillan-Harry Moores- Bob Harris-Brian Rigby-Willie Woodvine(good runner) Ivor Maddox-John Scelding-Bill Tilstone-Norman Dean-John Guy-Austin Fernihough to name a few. Did attend one re-union lent form photo of 2b 1949-51 never did get it back.
Pete Mellor

I Left in: 1967
Date: Thursday, Jun 12, 2008, 11:46am

1962-1967.Looking at the photos and can't believe it's 41 years.Would like to hear from anyone who remembers me.I would like to trace Paul Kelsall if anyone knows his whereabouts.
Paul Jenkins

I Left in: 1973
Date: Sunday, Jun 1, 2008, 7:18pm

Hi Guys, some great memories invoked on here; anyone fancy an inpromptu meeting in Stoke to have a few beers sometime and chew over old times. Saw Steff last year at my 50th party (I am sure that I am only 35) and just saw Mickey Nixon's comments just. Anywhere will do, up for it? best wishes, Jenks
Webmaster

I Left in: n/a
Date: Monday, April 29, 2008, 12:40pm


Request for information/pictures of Edwin Sampson Powell from JTS era

Please send emails to STHS Webmaster
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The above named is commemorated on your Roll of Honour.

I am keen to make contact with any of his relatives if this is possible.

He was lost in a training accident on 8/1/44 when the aircraft in which he was the Flight Engineer crashed shortly after take off from RAF Lissett.

All the others in the crew were Canadians and I am in contact with the families of all of them. The loss of this crew is to be remembered at an exhibition to be held later this year at Bridlington, East Yorkshire and Edwin Powell is the only member of the crew who I don't have a photograph of. We have tried placing advertisements in the local press but so far thus has not yielded any results. I appreciate this is a long shot, but if you do have any information about him or his family, it would be much appreciated.

Eddie Fell
Chairman
158 Squadron Asociation
Robert Adams

I Left in: 1962
Date: Monday, March 24, 2008, 9:45pm

I left in 1962 Bob Adams worked at the Michelin 40 years and enjoying my retirement being involved in helping to save the school.
(from Webmaster. Sorry Bob your email address bounces my "thank you" messages)
Dave Norcott

I Left in: 1974
Date: Friday, March 21, 2008, 6:37pm

Although I am now 50 I can still remember the register of my class (North, sport colour, Red). Are you ready?; Aitken, Bailey, Barnett, Bayley, Bradshaw, Brundrett, Carter, Chatterley, Dale, Davies, Deakin, Durber, Durber, Ford, Harford, Harrop, Hayes, Herriman, Hicken, Hill, Hodgkinson, Hopkins, Kendall, Lakin, Lythgoe, Nash, Norcott, O'Grady, Pickerill, Reeves, Vernon. I hope this is helpful in naming others on the 1970 photo.
Barry Hackwood

I Left in: 1948
Date: Friday, March 21, 2008, 12:48pm

REUNION CLASS 2a 1948 JTS 8th April 2008 Newcastle
we are only interested in our own class 2a, we left in july 1948 but dont mind if any of the lads who were in our same year I believe the class was 2b and left at the same time were to attend.The get together is arranged for the 8th April approx 1200hours meet in the car park of the... ...Newcastle and they will be made welcome.
Webmaster

I Left in: n/a
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2008, 4:52pm

EXTERNAL REQUEST:
Hello there - do you have any contact details for Pete Stonehewer, who was on the 1959 or 1965 photo? I am trying to locate the Stonehewer family, originally from Wandsworth - I am the grandson of Florence Stonehewer.
Mike Nixon

I Left in: 1973
Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 4:34pm

Hi everbody, Steph Lungrin says we left in 1973 and I'm not arguing with him. Great to see everybodys comments, I never knew there was a reunion whens the next? Saw Chris benson the other day havent seen him for 35 years good old Chris.
Archibald Rigby

I Left in: n/a
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2007, 5:20pm

I didnt attend this school but a friend from many years ago did, he can be seen in the school photos 1959 to 1963 as Mick Brown. Have not seen or heard from Mike in about 30 years but would be pleased to hear from him or any info on his current wherabouts. Mike's parents had a grocery shop in King William street Tunstall if this helps.
Mark Turner

I Left in: n/a
Date: Thursday, November 8, 2007, 8:11pm

Relative of Cyril Baker, he died in WW2 flying a Lancaster bomber. Does anybody have any photos or information of him available?
thanks
Mark
Webmaster

I Left in: 1966
Date: Friday, October 26, 2007, 10:26am

It has been noticed that people's memories of their time at the School often appear self-censoring. The Webmasters have always been heedful of the impact of revelations that are difficult to verify from independent sources. At the distance of over 40 years it is to be expected that memory is genuinely selective. It may need a few more years before the clarity, and candour, of old age sheds light on half-remembered events.

The Webmaster is happy that the balance be redressed, should people wish to record their recollections about their lives at that time - warts and all. However what would be a valuable contribution to the site archives might not be suitable for unexpurgated publication immediately.

It is possible that at the reunion in 2002 people were more candid with their peer group than they would be in a public forum. It is not unusual for a shared experience to be acknowledged in public by the slightest of allusions or euphemisms.

It is likely that the experiences of the School's pupils were commonplace for their particular era. Many autobiographies indicate that all spheres of education in the United Kingdom in the last century covered the span from "filling empty vessels" to "lighting wicks". A colleague refers to Alec Waugh's semi-autobiographical "Loom of Youth", published at the start of the last century (1917), as still applying for his own time as a scholarship boy at Rugby public school in 1970.

It would be interesting to know if there was particular dissent amongst the School's staff about personalities, teaching, and disciplinary practices.
Paul Plant

I Left in: 1968
Date: Friday, October 26, 2007, 10:24am

I read the messagages and wonder if I was at the same school! I remember sadistic older boys, bored and pathetic teachers*, appallingly bad lessons, and cold classrooms. Since leaving (or being asked to leave) Stanfield with no qualifications, I have created 2 prosperious businesses, read English at Cambridge as a mature student (BA (Hons) CANTAB)and lived in Crete for 3 years; I'm just glad the one thing I learned there was, never trust state education. The exception to bored teachers was Barry Edwards; what happened to him?
Steve Hind

I Left in: 1970
Date: Monday, October 22, 2007, 11:22am

I cannot believe that I have only just found this site. It is amazing. Congratulations to everyone involved in its design and development.
STHS Webmaster

I Left in: 1966
Date: Tuesday, September 18, 2007, 10:34pm

It is most unlikely that there will be a reunion in this the 75th Anniversary year.
With hindsight the 70th Anniversary Reunion was fortunate enough to benefit from the Friends Reunited burst of nostalgia in the UK. That momentum disappeared immediately after the reunion and it is hard to see such a critical mass being achieved again.
Alan Whitmore

I Left in: 1968
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2007, 3:15pm

I have only just found this site thanks to Philip Fone.
Excellent site!
When is the next reunion?
Alan John Jones

I Left in: 1957
Date: Thursday, August 16, 2007, 11:17pm

Just to keep you up to date with the Mural - The attached message was recently sent to me by BCDT: "we have made contact with the Swan Bank Methodist Church again, and they are happy to have it from us, a home where it truly belongs.. we just have to get it down to them, which I have arranged for this next Monday (16th July)"

Would someone like to visit Swan Bank Church to see how things are going?

(Ed. This is the Moorland Road religious tiled picture that was restored by the Trust)
Neil Mifflin

I Left in: 1964
Date: Tuesday, July 17, 2007, 10:09pm

I missed the last reunion but would very much like to attend the 75th. if there is one.

Congratulations on an excellent site. It must be giving many ex-students a great deal of pleasure. (I still can't believe those old school photos)!

PS. Does anyone know what happened to Peter Jackson?
Neil Peacock

I Left in: 1957
Date: Saturday, July 07, 2007, 8:05pm

After my 5 years at the tech, enjoying the sport mainly, I still can recall many of the lads there also the teachers who tried to keep me on the the straight and narrow.
If anybody remembers me I would like to get in touch.
Alan John Jones

I Left in: 1957
Date: Sunday, July 01, 2007, 05:66am

Can anyone help me locate John Gilbert an "old-boy" of SCTS, who in 1955 attended the Boy Scout's World Jamboree in Canada. I have been able to locate some of his photographs of that event.

Jonathan Bennett

I Left in:
1971
Date: Friday, April 13, 2007, 10:31am

I have been living in Townsville, North Queensland for the past eighteen months, prior to which I resided in Sydney and Darwin following my emigration to Australia in 1996. It is good to learn that some of my old school colleagues have done so well, but it leaves me wondering what has become of the rest of my old classmates.

Tom Platt

I Left in:
1961
Date: Sunday, April 8, 2007, 2:12pm

Currently working in Tenerife. I will probably be back in UK at the end of the school year but, in any event, I want to attend a Reunion to celebrate the 75th. Is a Committee needed? The last Reunion was very successful. Can we have a repeat please? I notice that Tony Boulton, the Valiant Texan, mentioned a Reunion also. I am very happy to start the ball rolling if necessary....but the committee from last time might be the best place to start; they did well.

Barry Blaize

I Left in:
1971
Date: Sunday, March 8, 2007, 3:41pm

I recall that the 1969 drama production was 'She Stoops To Conquer' in which I played a character called Tom Twist. Amongst the few lines of dialogue I had was 'The squire's got spunk in him' which caused great amusement to us lads at fourteen! I still have the programme and I remember that some of my classmates such as Kevin Adams and Lester Booth were also in it. I think at the time it was way of avoiding history with Frank Salt!

Fred - David - Meir

I Left in:
1967
Date: Friday, February 23, 2007, 10:44pm

Again, good to check on stuff. Still in Canada heard nothing from anyone - are you all dead?? Hope not great memories. I would love to know if there is a reunion in 2007 we are coming over in may let me know. I was having a bit of fun the other day people were suprised that we never had a student pregnancy at our school!! They were shocked until I told them why!! Take care

Chris Keeling

I Left in:
1972
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2007, 9:21pm

Just found the site today after meeting Alf Werner up the x ray clinic and he told me all about it. Great to see the young faces back in 1970 photo. Any reunion planned?

Ivor Austin

I Left in:
1959
Date: Thursday, February 15, 2007, 9:41pm

Great site,I was put on to it by the Judge AKA Dave Hunt,met up with him last night and we sank a few,bonus was Holger Evitts was in the same pub.I would love to hear from some more of the boys from our era,Stuart Rigby and Pete Dawson in particular.

Dave Hunt

I Left in:
1960
Date: Thursday, February 15, 2007, 8:55pm

I was recently contacted via friends reunited site by Ivor Austin,just a short gap of 46 years since our last conversation!we arranged a reunion at Finney Gardens pub in Bucknall (I'll be wearing carnation in my lapel, and preserved school cap)Amazingly we recognised each other immediately!What a blast of a night, so much to talk about, so many names being dragged from memory, so much ale to be supped (we did our best).By coincidence we were joined later in the evening by Holgar Evitts, whose local the Finney proved to be,I'm sure he used to be 6ft.7in but he isn't now!Is there anyone else out there who remembers us (1955-1960 inmates)Please get in touch and we can arrange another get together soon. Dont be shy, guarantee a great night out.Dave Hunt aka The Judge.

Robert Baddeley

I Left in:
1970
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2007, 6:50pm

Interesting to trawl through the faces on the 1970 photo. In 37 years since I left, I have only seen two blokes I was at school with - Jeff Clarke (last heard of in Austrailia) and Jack Matthews - and neither of those in the last 20-odd years. Amazing how so many bods can apparently disappear in a provincial city. Most of my memories of STH are of being beaten-up fairly regularly - still, I survived and prospered - the beatings must have knocked off all the sharp edges and made me a well-rounded individual! I still live locally, in Mow Cop, and work as an engineering manager with utility network company in Wales. Still fit and healthy and walking the wilderness areas of the world.

STHS Webmaster

I Left in:
1966
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2007, 6:50pm

I understand that these radical proposals to merge many of the City's schools are probably tentative. Old boys are monitoring the situation and the STHS site will carry information on developments as things change.

Paul Leach

I Left in:
1976
Date: Friday, February 2, 2007, 7:44pm

Disappointed to hear the school is likely to close. It gave a very high standard of education for anyone interested and produced the best darts player in the world! I will drop a note to the local MP and Mayor. I would hope that a few others could manage to do the same.

Tony Boulton

I Left in:
1967
Date: Saturday, January 27, 2007, 2:18pm

I was dismayed to hear of plans to close Haywood High School and merge it with Brownhills High, on a new site. I heard that it was being developed a technology school again, so I wonder indeed what happened to that plan? I also believe that it is a school that is much in demand, a fact which tells a story in itself. This year, 2007 is the 75th anniversary of the school and it would be a travesty to kill it off when the country needs engineers and scientists. I support the teachers, governors and parents of Haywood High School who are fighting against this plan.

Phil Deane

I Left in:
1967
Date: Friday, January 26, 2007, 12:33am

Does anyone have any photos of the holiday to Switzerland in 1967.I'd love a look.

Tony Boulton

I Left in:
1967
Date: Saturday, December 30, 2006, 2:18pm

I now live in Texas, but I would be willing to try and get back to N Staffs for a reunion in 2007 to celebrate the school's 75th anniversary. Is anything in the works?

Ray Walters

I Left in:
1963
Date: Sunday, November 26, 2006, 3:21am

Still a great board the webmaster is doing a great job. I see Pigeon has left a message, last saw him in '62. I too wish to know if there will be a reunion in 2007. Because we live in OZ it takes a lot of organising to get there. Missed the last one by one year but heard from Johny Prior how good it was. Lets know if we are getting together. OH yes hi to Pigeon Pierce.

Malcolm Pierce

I Left in:
1962
Date: Thursday, October 19, 2006, 8:12pm

Just found the site again absolutely brilliant! I spent a few hours trying to put names to faces, its amazing what you can and can't remember after all these years. Hope there is another reunion soon before we all take the final detention. Does anyone remember Boris trying to teach us 5th formers English and making a 1st former wait for 1/2 hr with a pile of exercise books, then throwing them out of the window into Moorland rd. Thats what I call education. I am now retired having worked 42 years with Michelin and then the Last 18 mths with IBM. Married for 38 years, 2 children and 2 super grandkids.Still living in S-o-T

John Pugh

I Left in:
1971
Date: Wednesday, August 29, 2006, 10:41pm

Just caught up again with the site - nice to hear some of the old gang is still breathing now we are in our 50's. Still a Methodist Minister but now in beautiful Northumberland, Amble if you want to look it up. Changed e-mail address by the way.

Richard Hollins

I Left in:
1971
Date: Saturday, June 24, 2006, 9:32pm

This is a great site that brings back lots of memories. There is mention elsewhere of a 2007 reunion - I'd certainly be up for that if I can. I attended the 2002 reunion and it was great to meet up again with Paul Barnes and Peter Ibbs from our 1966-71 "year", plus of course teachers Messrs Hollinshead, Goodman, Myatt, Arrowsmith, Wilkinson, Briggs, Salt, and many others. Where are the rest of you? I exchanged a few e-mails with John Pugh a few years ago, and I saw John Millington as recently as 1976! I live in Worcestershire these days, and I'm a physicist.
Terry Hollins

I Left in: 1963
Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2006, 6:31pm

Found the site fascinating. Some of my neighbours and friends who are ex pupils have also now been made aware of the site, Ray Yates(rowdy), Keith Pugh, Ewart Davies, Roy Richardson and my brother Roy. Should there be another reunion we all hope to attend as we have missed all previous. Great to see the write up of the Duke in Darkness.
John K Bourne

I Left in: 1955
Date: Saturday, April 15, 2006, 6:19pm

On the class photograph fifth form 1956 the boy seated on the bottom left is Tony Ratcliffe. He was my friend and I would like to know his whereabouts if anyone can help. He had an elder brother at the school too, but on the school photo of 1955 he has a different name?
Alf Werner

I Left in: 1971
Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2006, 10:32pm

What can i say, what a school, what iconic tutors, never learned a lot but reflect upon a period in my life with such characters as piggy pardoe, diddyman, sifta salt, mr yelland, jfg lowe, as an adult i salute them, what people.To those that knew me, well, what can i say, judge me by the next reunion, WHEN IS IT? regards alf werner
Paul Wheat

I Left in: 1972
Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2006, 08:34am

I recently stumbled across this site. I enjoyed searching through the old class photos but didn't recognise myself even though I was named. Brought back many memories, I still recall a few names from the old class of 5C, Colin Baskeyfield, Graham Hall, Phillip Unwin, John Waterson & David Whittaker to name but a few and not forgetting Tom 'Bullfrog' Goodwin our form and Biology teacher to name but a few. Moved away from Stoke 20 years ago when I started working in IT, though not living too far away these days in Telford.
Phillip Thistleton

I Left in: 1971
Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2006, 11:33am

I left in 1971 became an engineer, then decided to retrain and now I am back in education as a lecturer at Stoke-on-Trent college. would love to hear from anyone at Stanfield around the same time.
Rob Wilkinson (Wilko)

I Left in: 1969
Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2006, 9:23pm

Great to see the old photo and sad to note that I wouldn't be included as I was playing truant with Kenny "Libby" Morris when the photo was taken. Also of note was the fact that the original stone pillars in the original high lane entrance were fitted by my father for "Royals" stone masons of Nile Street Burslem. Still living in Stoke and am a Regional Manager for a Canadian financial services company.
Paul Connelly

I Left in: 1955
Date: Monday, January 2, 2006, 3:04pm

My old friend,Wilf Thorley,sent me the STHS web site,and I was so pleased to visit it and see again in the 1955 photo those faces of pupils and teachers, all of whom in row 3 I recognised.(putting names to them all was a bit more difficult!)
Happily retired now in the West Country, I know that any success I achieved in my life has its roots fairly and squarely in the education I received at "Burslem Tech." Bill Potts and his team of dedicated teachers should be credited with turning around the lives of so many boys who had already been classified as "11plus failures"
I feel a great sense of pride to have been part of this wonderful progressive school,and can only wish it in its changed form continued success, with my very best wishes extended to all of those old school friends, wherever they may be.
STHS Webmaster

I Left in: 1966
Date: Sunday, January 1, 2006, 12:39 PM

Picture name updates are usually acknowledged with an email but sometimes the return address gets rejected.
So - broadcast thanks to the following people for their picture name updates.
  • Keith Stubbs
  • Paul O'Brien
  • Dennis Smith
  • Phil Swindles
  • Andrew Felthouse

    I Left in: 1971
    Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2005, 2:54pm

    excellent web site and photo of the 1970 gang, i can now put faces to some of names i vaugely remember, still living in the longton area and still in engineering.
    Michael Powell

    I Left in: 1966
    Date: Monday, September 19, 2005, 5:52 PM

    Hi there to anyone out there that might remember me, I remember Paul Breeze and David Wood. Would be great to hear from anyone that can remember those years gone by.....???!!!
    John Gilbert

    I Left in: 1967
    Date: Thursday, September 8, 2005, 3:17 PM

    I left in the summer of '67 and went into the construction industry as an electrical engineer.Congratulations on a superb website.
    Anyone who remembers me can e-mail me.
    Bertram Capey

    I Left in: 19??
    Date: Friday, July 22, 2005, 3:25 PM

    In spite of my advancing years.I'm still active and I wonder if any of the former members of the school choir or orchestra might be interested in coming along to All Saint's Church in Scholar Green... ...and have a sing with us. I hope you are keeping well, I'll certainly look again at the old boys internet info. Best wishes Bertram Capey
    (anyone wanting the time of the practice please email Webmaster)
    Colin Beech

    I Left in: 1976
    Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2005, 10:26 PM

    love to get emails from any one who was at school between 1972-1976
    STHS Webmaster

    I Left in: 1966
    Date: Saturday, April 23, 2005, 12:39 PM

    The 2002 Reunion, for pupils up to 1970, was a logical outcome from the "Friends Reunited" phenomenon. It was suggested as a trial run for a 75th Anniversary Reunion in 2007 - probably the final big reunion for that JTS/SCTS/STHS population.
    The reunion was generally judged a great success - but it was almost cancelled as ticket sales only picked up close to the day. Many people had a certain hesitancy in "going back" - but most enjoyed it.
    In 2006 there should be a straw poll on an "up to 1970" reunion in September 2007 for the 75th Anniversary.
    I am attempting to get the school hymns recorded with an authentic "boys school" sound. Unfortunately there has been a general loss of this particular choir tradition in the UK. Bert Capey has confirmed that his own school/church choirs reflected that change after about 1970.
    Paul 'Jenks' Jenkins

    I Left in: 1973
    Date: Saturday, April 23, 2005, 10:45 AM

    Just popping back down memory lane, listened to the school hymns (oh where was Bert Capey with his magnificent musical gift!?). Grateful to the people who have taken the trouble to run the site for us all to enjoy. When is the next re-union? Good luck.
    Phil Lightfoot

    I Left in: 1966
    Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2005, 2:43 PM

    What a great site. Thank you to those who have done so much to make it so interesting. I have looked in every hymn book I have come across for the school hymn without success. The only words I could remember were " with light of science in their eyes". Searching Google for these words was fruitless. I now understand why - the word science was changed from knowledge just for our school hymn. I have very fond memories of the school dinners cooked by Mrs Bainbridge and her staff. Mancheter Tart and prunes and custard were my favourite. No one else seemed to like prunes so I often had 8 portions of prunes to myself. The custard was always delicious.I lived within walking distance of school but the meals were so good I peferred to stay for the school dinners. I remember my school dinner table prefect was Keith Jones nicknamed Yogi and the adjacent table prefect, Keith's mate, was Boo Boo from the cartoon series. How I looked up to those guys. I became a bit of a quiet rebel in the 6th Form and remember frequently climbing out of the window in the old bricklaying workshop, sprinting to behind the bike sheds where my scooter was kept, pushing it up the drive and then going off to the Peak District for the rest of the afternoon instead of studying in the library.
    It is also hard to believe now in the computer and microchip era how many of us had radio as a hobby, building our own stuff and utilising ex WD equipment.
    Happy Days
    STHS Webmaster

    I Left in: 1966
    Date: Sunday, January 23, 2005, 12:39 PM

    Picture name updates are usually acknowledged with an email but sometimes the return address gets rejected.
    So - broadcast thanks to the following people for their picture name updates.
  • Tony Boulton
  • Tony Kaine
  • Paul Plant
  • Geoff Sambrook
  • Philip Smith
  • Alan John Jones

    I Left in: 1957
    Date: Friday, December 03, 2004, 01:26 PM

    A few photographic records 1> Simnett Expedition to the Lake District Circa about November 1955. Left to right Jones, Lockett, Adkins, Foskett, Williams, Velnoweth, Simnett (standing). Seated Brown. 2. Looking up the climb down off Helvelyn - Brown, Adkins, Jones 3. Visit to Parliament House as guest of Harriet Slater MP (photos under separate cover)
    Alan John Jones

    I Left in: 1957
    Date: Friday, December 03, 2004, 02:53 AM

    I recently retired and have "nostalgia" ripping through my viens. I am quite anxious to see if I can contact any of my old school mates and the oldest collective school photo is full of them. I would also be interested in touching base with staff of that era, since I did a temporary fill in following J E Baliff's death and taught Chemistry to the 6th formers of 1961. Since then I've had a wonderful and fulfilling career as an academic research chemist/advisor to Ministers/Diplomat to the Federal Republic of Germany/Writer on Technology and Innovation and continue research on Performance Management and Innovation as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra, and Visiting Fellow, National Graduate School of Management, Australian National University. Whatever happened to the Honour Role Board at the
    Alan John Jones

    I Left in: 1957
    Date: Friday, December 03, 2004, 02:43 AM

    I recently retired and have "nostalgia" ripping through my viens. I am quite anxious to see if I can contact any of ny old school mates and the oldest collective school photo is full of them. I would alos be interested in touching base with staff of that era, since I did a temporary fill following J E Baliff's death and taught Chemistry to the 6th formers of 1961. Since then I've had a wonderful and fulfilling career as an academic research chemist/advisor to Ministers/Diplomat to the Federal Republic of Germany/Writer on Technology and Innovation and continue research on Perfromance Management and Innovation issues as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra, and Visiting Fellow in the National Graduate School of Management, Australian National University. Whatever happened to the Honour Role B
    dave hunt

    I Left in: 1960
    Date: Tuesday, November 09, 2004, 01:14 AM

    wow! memories came flooding back. has anyone any memories or better still photoes of unbeaten 1959/60 football or cricket teams? i'd love to see them again after all these years!alL the very best to anyone who remembers me.(maybe as THE JUDGE?)+
    Derek Johnson

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Sunday, November 07, 2004, 02:11 PM

    Thanks for all your support on this site. Chris Horrobin has agreed to take over the running of this site and to rehost it on another server. We'll be working together in the next few weeks to try to make this handover as seamless as possible.
    John Hampton

    I Left in: 1962
    Date: Thursday, October 28, 2004, 12:06 PM

    This is an excellent site which i have only recently discovered. I left in 1962 and have been living in Edinburgh since 1969 and am now retired. It was good to see the photos of the 2002 reunion and some familiar faces Wilf, Phil, Jim, Bob and Rex. Sorry I missed reunion but hopefully there will be another one soon. I usually visit Stoke twice a year so it would be good to meet up for a chat and a pint sometime. Keep up the good work with the website.
    Anthony Clarke

    I Left in: 1963
    Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2004, 08:38 PM

    Found this site quite recently.The photo's bring back fond memories paricularly the 1959 whole school photo. Hello Kenny Hodgson, Paul Burgess and Andy Peat. I still have some of my old school reports and a couple of prize books awarded for history. I live near Chester. +
    Steven Davies

    I Left in: 1971
    Date: Sunday, October 10, 2004, 06:43 PM

    Good memories, I was in 4C when the 1970 photo was taken. It was great to see all my old friends again. I now live on the south coast where I lecture in Electronics.
    David Green

    I Left in: 1965
    Date: Friday, September 10, 2004, 05:42 PM

    I came to the 2002 re-union and at last have got round to saying it was great to see some old faces but not enough! Chris Horrobin hasnt changed a bit
    J.K.Bourne

    I Left in: 1955
    Date: Thursday, September 02, 2004, 06:04 PM

    Mr. Berrisford when asked, "can I...?" replied "I don't know if you can or can't," do you mean may I? He also often said, "and so to enhance the appearance of your drawing". Mr. Simmet (Boris) was so called because his nature resembled Boris Karloff (Frankenstein) he possesed a manical streak. Mr. Taylor? history. after someones bad behaviour used to say, "It's a reflection on your parents" we boys joked about these sayings.
    J.K.Bourne

    I Left in: 1955
    Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2004, 03:45 PM

    In the mid 50's SCTS. was under the influence of radio Luxemburg's top 20, Elvis, Ruby Murray, Lonnie Donigan, Johnny Ray and the Teddyboy era. Mr. Potts sent a letter to my mum forbiding my 12" bottoms drainpipe trousers. Mr. Mills tried to show that he was with it by trying to do a few be-bop dance steps, outside the chem lab. it was very funny. Does anyone remember Hugh Rennie? Burslem's fastest bopper,(amazing)
    Ray Walters

    I Left in: 1963
    Date: Sunday, August 29, 2004, 07:12 AM

    G'Day all just tried to contact John Hackney on the website address but it came back as a falure. Any one know his current e=mail address. Great site this Ray W
    JKBourne

    I Left in: 1955
    Date: Saturday, August 28, 2004, 12:38 PM

    I have a photograph which appeared in the Sentinel in 1954. it shows the runners in the 1/4 mile SCTS school sports, or the Burslem all school sports. I am in the centre and Ivan Taylor (who became mayor of Blackpool) to the right of me. can anyone throw any light on this snap?
    Chris Horrobin

    I Left in: 1966
    Date: Monday, August 23, 2004, 11:20 PM

    Derek has now added John Bourne's 1955 panoramic school picture to the "Whole School Photos" section. It currently only has names for some of the staff. I recognise the faces of some first year pupils but names escape me. It is strange seeing the younger versions of people I remember only as daunting "adults".
    Chris Horrobin

    I Left in: 1966
    Date: Saturday, August 21, 2004, 09:18 AM

    John Bourne's panoramic school photo' is now being scanned and processed. It is dated March 1955. This might be the first of the SCTS whole school panoramic photo's. The two year periodicity would suggest there might have been a 1953 one. The history is vague on how the upper forms of the embryonic SCTS were populated - were all forms active in March 1955?
    John Skelding

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Thursday, August 12, 2004, 08:33 PM

    Good to hear from you "Big Bill". As one of the contingent living close to the school, I remember the after school football in the school yard with Stan Bailey being better with a tennis ball than full sized football! Thought that you would like to know that Ray Walters lives in the Southern Hemisphere but was over here last Christmas time. I met up with him for a drink along with John Prior (from Canada) and Graham Wood (from Chell). Best wishes.
    Bill Tabbernor

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Friday, August 06, 2004, 03:20 PM

    Congratulations to Derek for producing such a fascinating web site. I came across it by accident searching for some history of the old Moorland Road building. I joined SCTHS in 1957 as one of the contingent from the south of the City - Meir Junior School with Ray Walters, Tony Williams,Peter Steel,Michael Burton,Graham Birks. It would be great to hear from these and any other contemporaries. My Chronology is:- 1alpha, 2alpha, 3A, 4A, 5X, LVIE, UVIE,then to English Electric,Blue Circle and Stoke City Council where I still languish musing over early retirement. Browsing the site the memories come flooding back - Penny Killers, lunchtime in the park with local "friends" from the secondary school and many more. Good to note that so many old Stanfielders made notable careers. Look forward to any future reuni
    John K Bourne

    I Left in: 1955
    Date: Tuesday, July 06, 2004, 11:43 AM

    School meals cont. We never had fish, cheese, chicken, pasta, curry, or any drinks apart from water. There was a salt cellar on the table. There would always be an offer of seconds which was eagerly accepted by many. Empty plates would be passed down the table and stacked for collecting. Apple or rhubarb tart with custard was also common. It was trendy to get chips and peas in town at 1/3d for a change.
    John (saff) Bourne

    I Left in: 1955
    Date: Monday, July 05, 2004, 02:50 PM

    The school dinners of the mid 50s were bothgood value and nutricious 9d old money. We always had mashed potatoes with an ice cream scoop and meat with carrots cabbage or peas gravy, and a pudding usually sponge or bakewell tart with custard. Once a week there was a salad, again the mashed potatoes cold meat, beetroot tomatoes and watercress, with a ladlefull of their homemade salad cream. The only choice we had was take it or leave it.Sometimes you had to run up to high Lane for it if you were there in the afternoon. occasionally we might get a blancmange.much better than todays junk diet.
    John Bourne

    I Left in: 1955
    Date: Thursday, July 01, 2004, 11:06 AM

    As an addition to my earlier entry I would like to give my email address in case anyone wishes to contact me. it is johnkbourne@hotmail.com I live in Longton near Preston in Lanc's on a smallholding. One classmate was Horace Gibb or Gibbs his family had a slot machine business, there was also a boy with a glass eye nicknamed Gog, I would very much like to hear from my friend Ratcliffe as we often did the "mad rush" together which involved dashing home on two buses for our lunch, and back again with only miutes to spare. Down Moorland rd. there was a tuck shop which sold a homemade fizzy drink we called penny dreadfulls, or a better one for tuppence. In the library we found a book which mentioned npples which we thought highly erotic at that time, etc. etc. Mr. Potts gave up on me as a hopeless c
    John Bourne

    I Left in: 1955
    Date: Thursday, July 01, 2004, 10:43 AM

    I have a whole school photograph for the year 1954 or 55. this was taken at highfield rd. school. In the photo of the 5th.form class the boy on the bottom row left is name Ratcliffe. Tony I think is his first name, and he had an older brother at the school too. With help I could probably dig up other information deep in my memory. Yours faithfully John K Bourne
    John Watts

    I Left in: 1940
    Date: Monday, May 03, 2004, 08:32 PM

    There must be some Students of 1E and 2E for the years 1939 and 1940 who are still alive. Please, is it possible that the Class members names are retained at the Stoke College and are there any Class photographs of the early years? With old age the memory tends to lose-out somewhat and, at best, I can only recall about five names. The one Teacher's name that I could not remember was "Gus" Kent.Your site provides a History Lesson that we all enjoy. Thanks for the memories. John Watts. Monday 3 May 2004.
    Mike Bradbury

    I Left in: 1962
    Date: Thursday, April 08, 2004, 08:42 PM

    Amazed to find all the Stanfields history here. Astounded to see myself on the back row of the 1961 whole school photo as the picture was rendered on my screen! Don't know how I have missed this site for so long and I wish I had more memorabilia to offer but sadly it has disappeared in the years since I left. I was also amazed at the names and faces I remembered and met as colleagues at the old Post Office Telephones, later BT and did not know that they were old Stanfields Boys. Thank you for producing an excellent site which I hope survives for many years.
    paul lovatt

    I Left in: 79
    Date: Friday, February 20, 2004, 11:57 AM

    well its been a long time since i attended stanfields i must say it was a great time in my life and enjoyed myself immensley while there.ive been in Australia now for over 20 odd years and just occasionaly look at the old countrys web sites i cannot remember the headmasters name at the time but the deputy was a mr Johnson i seem to recall would be great to see if anyone ther could jog my memory. signed Paul Lovatt nsw Australia
    David (Fred) Meir

    I Left in: 1967
    Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2003, 12:45 AM

    Great Website. I am here in Canada pastoring a church. My son led me to the site - great fun all my old mates Alan Maskery, Bob Shemilt, Paul Garner, Keith Davies, Plhil Miller, Paul Harp, Pongo Wright, all the guys from the Soccer team from 1962 - 1967 we won just about everything. I will stay in touch - i have a photo somewhere of the Football team do you want it? regards David
    Chris Horrobin

    I Left in: 1966
    Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2003, 11:33 PM

    Re Russell's query about teachers from the 1960's. Known to be alive at the time of the reunion being organised. Tagged with (R) if they were at the reunion. Mr Salt (R) Mr George (R) Mr Capey Mr Light (R) Mr Yelland (R) Mr Rainbow (R) Mr Adams (R) Mr Briggs (R) Mr Fox(?) (R) Mr Bancroft Mr Goodwin
    Russell Halfpenny

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Saturday, October 11, 2003, 12:11 AM

    Derek, Just to express my appreciation for a great job you have done on the 'old school' web site, I've just spent an hour reminiscing again;superb. Apart from Mr Salt and Mr George are there any teachers still alive from the sixties? Rusell
    Michael Smolarz

    I Left in: 1963
    Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2003, 10:05 PM

    Sorry I missed the reunnion. Although my stay at Stanfields was short, I did enjoy my time there, especially my old mates Peter Davies, Henry higgins and Tony Rhodes.
    ALAN V. GRIFFITHS

    I Left in: 1947
    Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2003, 04:05 PM

    A most impressive site which brings back many happy recollections of my time at the "Junior Tech." in Moorlands Road in the mid-forties. There were some sad occassions and I remember clearly those sombre morning assemblies when the then head, Mr Collinson announced the latest additions to our Roll-of-Honour. However these were not everyday events, thankfully, and school life went on despite the war. I remember, in flashes generally, items like the bland but filling school dinners served enthusiastically by large (it seemed) dinner-ladies in the main hall and consumed in side rooms. Yes we even eagerly accepted seconds in our turn. A personal favourite was the lunchtime music club conducted by metalwork teacher Mr Brownsword which was designed to give us an introduction to classical music. It worked
    Nicholas Morcinek

    I Left in: 1969
    Date: Friday, July 11, 2003, 05:04 AM

    Amazing... just found this site! Really bought back memories. Any info on the teachers at all... ?? Where are they now? Thanks for getting this site together - my wife and daughter have never visited the UK and find these old pics marvelously entertaining. Perhaps I'll hear from someone.... Nicholas
    Mike Tunnicliffe

    I Left in: 1963
    Date: Saturday, May 17, 2003, 07:43 PM

    Many thanks for running this great site- seeing so many familiar faces brought back so many good memories. I will delve deeper but at the moment I am moving to a bugalow in Walsall and must go off line soon. Where's the sod who stole my leather gloves from the top corridor in the new school in about 1960?
    Tom Platt

    I Left in: 1961
    Date: Saturday, April 12, 2003, 08:55 AM

    Like others from my year, I certainly enjoyed the Reunion to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the school's founding. It was a pleasant surprise to find myself on the same bus on the way to it (by accident) and from it (by plannning) as Brian Billington and others. I am looking forward to the 75th and if I can be of assistance in organising I hope that people will contact me. +
    Brynn Welch

    I Left in: 1963
    Date: Sunday, March 23, 2003, 05:19 PM

    Hi to all of you that may remember me. Would love to hear from Neil Mifflin, Lindsay Beeston, Ray Timinsky or any of the class of 61,62 or 63 that recalls the name Brynn Welch. I can always remember being expelled by Bill for wearing a suit, black shirt and pink tie. He called it anti social behaviour. My mum had to go to his office to apologise on my behalf. He took me back. Blimey .. Happy Days I now live in Stafford
    John Hackney

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Monday, February 24, 2003, 08:23 PM

    It is good to see such a comprehensive site. As in most things I am late and missed the re-union. I did not know the site existed until I came across Derecks name by chance. I have fruitfully divided my time between the pub and work since leaving Stanfield. Despite my best efforts to self destruct I am now the MD of an engineering works in Manchester. it would be good to hear from fellow travellers. Why was I nor surprised to hear that john cooper has finished up so succesfully. With his talent for chemistry and explosions perhaps a new nobel prize will be invented John Hackney
    Paul Cross

    I Left in: 1971
    Date: Thursday, January 02, 2003, 12:59 PM

    I spent all my time peering out at the Vale's ground!! Currently live in Australia.
    Stephen Chadwick (Chad)

    I Left in: 1973
    Date: Monday, December 23, 2002, 04:33 PM

    Have just found the 1970 photo and spent a great half hour scanning through it and reminded myself of old mates. Yes, Steff, I remember the leg-tearing incident and I have to confess I was one of the geezers who keeled over at the sight of your indides half hanging out!! I'm living up in Durham so am not often in Stoke but when I am it would be great to see some of you again!
    Conrad Wildig

    I Left in: 1986
    Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2002, 08:19 PM

    Great to see the pictures of the old school. Moved over here to New Zealand a few years ago and great to see pics of the old teachers. If anyone remembers me please feel free to email me!
    Neil Hammond

    I Left in: 1973
    Date: Tuesday, October 08, 2002, 01:26 PM

    The reunion was a great night - brilliant to see old mates. 'S',Skoda,Frankie,Jenks. We must sort out the next Curry - Early 2003 I would suggest.Would be nice for a few of the other miserable buggers to show.Come on lads - its actually a good laugh.Anyone remembers me can e-mail me on - accounts@woolliscrofts.co.uk
    Frank Price

    I Left in: 1973
    Date: Friday, September 27, 2002, 11:24 AM

    Thanks for a fascinating and bizzare evening trip down memory lane. It was great to meet old friends and meet some of the staff. I could not get over 'diddyman' being there and still being the same as ever. Good to meet up with you, Neil, Skoda and jenks. Keep in touch.
    Derek Johnson

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Thursday, September 26, 2002, 10:42 PM

    Thanks for the positive feedback that I have received from a number of you about the Reunion. I've now received a few digital pictures of the event that I will be adding to the website at some point. PS By the way, although your email addresses are not visible in the text, they are there, so you can just click on a name in this list to start an email to the contributor. This means that you may get some spam if you use a proper email address.
    Chris Horrobin

    I Left in: 1966
    Date: Monday, September 23, 2002, 10:07 PM

    Where did all the time go at the reunion - apart from enjoying ourselves. Apologies to all those with whom I never caught up for a chat - and didn't photograph for a '59 class update. Please email me so I can catch up on how life turned out for you. Particularly David Green and David Brassington. Also my apologies to the person with the 1950-ish photo' of the JTS cricket team. If you can contact me via email I'll arrange to scan it for the website. Ray Bagnall's 1950 class photo' and JTS cap badge are already being processed. OK - that reunion was the trial run - "next" time I'll be better organised and make sure I get photo's of everyone!
    Howard Cope

    I Left in: 1973
    Date: Saturday, September 21, 2002, 04:46 PM

    just to say i enjoyed the reunion yesterday and thaks for all the hard work put in by all concerned cheers h
    Derek Johnson

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2002, 11:15 AM

    Thanks to a generous offer of financial underwriting from some old boys, we are now certain that the reunion on 20th September will go ahead as planned. If you intend to come please order your tickets without further delay, as all extra tickets sold will help financially.
    Tony Boulton

    I Left in: 1967
    Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2002, 11:56 AM

    The reunion is due to take place on September 20th and currently I believe about 60 people have bought tickets. I am guessing there are a lot of other folks out there who are planning to go but have not yet sent in their money. Please do so soon so numbers can be finalised. Please send a cheque for £8 made payable to Stanfield Tech. Reunion together with a stamped addressed envelope for the delivery of your ticket to: Mr. D. Moore 6, Pennine Way Biddulph Staffordshire ST8 7EJ
    Anthony Bickerton

    I Left in: 1963
    Date: Monday, July 29, 2002, 08:15 PM

    I would be plesed to hear from anyone that attended lower V1E in 1962/63.
    Alan Bowen

    I Left in: 1971
    Date: Monday, July 22, 2002, 03:14 PM

    Thanks for the site. I was in 4C when the photograph was taken. Its good to remember all those faces I thought I'd forgotten. I remember particularly Richard Hollins, (I think of you as I cycle down Peacock Haye Road), John Pugh, Steve Davies, Paul Barnes, who I bump into sometimes through work, and John Lawton. Cheers Alan
    Frank Price

    I Left in: 1973
    Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2002, 12:45 PM

    Came across this site. The phot of 1970 is great. I've been in touch with Neil Hammond. Also on this message board, I remember Steff Lungrin and your footballing accident. You used to be a port vale fan, are you still? There is only one real team and they are now in Div 1. Mad keen SCFC supporter. It's funny how you never really leave your roots behind.+
    Richard Hollins

    I Left in: 1971
    Date: Friday, July 12, 2002, 04:58 PM

    I've just found the site and it's really great. So many old memories re-kindled. Good to see the faces in the 1970 photograph. Our class was 4C then. I think I can still recognise everyone there but I suspect I'd have difficulty recognising you in real life! I can still just about remember the role call: Adams, Barnes, Blakeman, Bosson, Bowen, Brian, Brough, Colclough, Curwen, Davies, etc. Hello again to John Millington, Alan Bowen, John Pugh, and everyone else!
    STEFF LUNGRIN

    I Left in: 1973
    Date: Sunday, June 30, 2002, 04:35 PM

    Unbelievable!!!!!!! I've just found the time to scan through the photo of ''70. I still live and work locally, at Hanley Nick would you believe. The photo could easily have been shot at one of our ID parades!! I still see some of the old inmates knocking about and many have made guest appearances in our cells. Surprising what quality education does for you. I see the likes of Abbo, Skoda and Jenks have visited the site Ey up how are ya. Does any one remember the marvellous goal I scored in the school playground a split second before ripping half my leg off on the goal post. Made a few tough guys faint and puke. Fantastic days. I wonder how anyone was able to pick me out in the photo, amazing memories. I hope to attend the reunion to chat over old times.
    John Robert Neal

    I Left in: 1952
    Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2002, 04:38 PM

    I left school in 1952 when both the Moorland rd and Stanfields premises were in use. We had a ten-day timetable, and depending on the lesson we would travel between the two premises - usually during lunch break. The class of 1950 were Bailey, Bennett, Brierton, Burgess, Carr, Cooper, Finnemore, Jones, Lancaster, Leek, Martin, Neal, Payne, Powell,Robinson, Rogers, Rowley, Scragg, Sheward, Shingler, Shaw, Sidley, Watkins, Williams, Wright. What has become of us all? What did we make of our lives? Headmaster was Mr Potts,teachers I remember were Geog Taylor, F.E.Taylor(History/English),Mr Taylor (Metalwork),Goodwin (Maths),Berrisford(Science), 'Boris' Symnet (English)and Brownsword (Machine Shop).
    Jeannette Sword (Cooke)

    I Left in: 1975
    Date: Thursday, June 06, 2002, 01:09 PM

    I was one of the first girls in the school back in 1971!! Have spotted a few names on the friends reunited site. Looking forward to the reunion in September. Hope to see a few from my past!!
    Geoff Hughes

    I Left in: 1959
    Date: Sunday, May 12, 2002, 05:26 PM

    Perhaps not too many of the David Hood's, Tom Platt's & Peter Morlidge's (and my) era left. What a fascinating site though. Lots of fond memories and not so fond disciplinary memories!! Will try to get to High Lane in September. Geoff Hughes (Hugsy).+
    Julian Morcinek

    I Left in: 1970
    Date: Monday, April 29, 2002, 02:48 AM

    It was a considerable shock to find this site. I spent over an hour going through the text and the photos, finding half-forgotten faces and trawling up memories I wish I'd forgotten. I hated this school with a passion. It was only the good education and the concern and interest of a few good teachers that got me through (most) of it. The past is certainly another country.
    Kelvin Knapper

    I Left in: 1972
    Date: Sunday, April 28, 2002, 03:15 PM

    just signed up ..now I feel old.class of mr Arrowsmith in early 70 here goes banks, barwick, brown, challinor, colclough, cope, cross, dean, docherty, hickman, jones, keeling, kent, knapper, moreton, mountford, nullis, oakes, pearl, platt, probyn, the late robinson, rushton stockton smith stubbs, taylor thorpe,whalley, washington, watson, whitmore kania.. Hows that after 30 years ..kelvin@kknapper.co.uk
    Neil Hammond

    I Left in: 1973
    Date: Thursday, April 18, 2002, 12:13 PM

    Just found this website APL2002.Would be nice to see some of the old faces again. Have been in touch with Skoda,How about Mac & Kenny Rowley? The School photo is good but everyone is mixed about in different classes so its difficult to find everyone.If anyone remembers me you can EMail me at accounts@woolliscrofts.co.uk Cheers,Neil.
    Kevin Yeomans

    I Left in: 1972
    Date: Saturday, April 13, 2002, 12:23 AM

    anyone who wishes to contact me please do so on www.kevin@cmsyl.freeserve.uk
    Howard Cope

    I Left in: 1973
    Date: Friday, April 12, 2002, 08:37 PM

    hi all,well as everybody says this really is a amazing site,and yes that 1970 photo came as a pleasant surprise but trying to remember the names without cheating !! 30 years doesnt it fly by ?? hope to come to the reunion as i still live in stoke and would love to see some old friends again-not that any of us have changed a bit ;0) anyone want to drop me a line please feel free cheers skoda
    John Spooner

    I Left in: 1972
    Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2002, 10:36 PM

    Liked the site, just looking at the 1970 photo, my names on there but it I don't recognise me... how memories fade.... May attend the reunion, as I moved away from the area over 20 years ago, look forward to seeing some "old" faces.
    Terry Webster

    I Left in:n/a
    Date: Thursday, April 04, 2002, 10:36 AM

    Heard of the 70th anniversary reunion. The directors and staff of Burslem Community Development Trust would welcome old "Haywooders" should any wish to have a tour of the Old Technical School building on Moorland Road.
    Kevin Yeomans

    I Left in: 1972
    Date: Tuesday, April 02, 2002, 11:53 PM

    What a wonderful site - looking forward to the reunion - remember the football team - Phil Ray, Alfie Werner, Tommo, Tootsy, Paul Rushton - classmates of 5C Willie, Littleton, Sogger, Slater, Unwin, Przybyla to mention just a few. 11.30pm, can of Boddies toasting you all - see you in September
    Derek Parker

    I Left in: 1974
    Date: Sunday, March 31, 2002, 08:46 PM

    I can just about remember the taking of the 1970 school photo and am now considering attending the reunion in September, except it might be a bit scary.
    Howard Graham

    I Left in: 1965
    Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2002, 07:23 PM

    I was introduced to this website by Derek Hughes after he visited the UK last year and have logged on many times since just to see if the 'old' memory is as good as it was. Great stuff keep it going looking forward to the reunion.
    colin hill

    I Left in: 1961
    Date: Saturday, February 16, 2002, 04:01 PM

    keep me informed of reunion details can't wait.
    Paul Thomas

    I Left in: 1969
    Date: Wednesday, February 06, 2002, 07:41 PM

    Brilliant website...hasn't half bought back some memories!! Was one of the first to go from STHS to the Sixth Form College at Fenton....followed..or haunted our form master...Mick Johnson there!!! Keep up the good work. [Copied from email to Webmaster]
    John Prior

    I Left in: 1963
    Date: Wednesday, January 23, 2002, 05:00 AM

    What a fantastic find.. I could not believe all the great stuff you have on our old school. I noticed that you changed my name to Alan on the 1961 photo (row 8, 19). [Fixed now. Derek] After leaving school in 1963 I worked at the English Electric plant in Kidsgrove. Moved to Canada in 1975 and started working for General Electric. Married with 4 grown kids I now live in Edmonton, Alberta. I am still working in the electrical industrial service field. Still support Stoke City, I check their website almost every day. Would love to hear from any of my old friends. My wife and I have been planning a trip to the UK later this year, maybe we'll come to the reunion.. John Prior
    Derek Hughes

    I Left in: 1966
    Date: Saturday, January 19, 2002, 08:12 PM

    I left in 1966 (also a good year for England FC). Have eventually found my way to California where I retired last year. Any of you folks from the 1961-1966 era take a look at the class photo I sent to Derek,would love to hear from you. A special thanks to Derek Johnson for creating and managing this site.+
    Robert Hunt

    I Left in: 1986
    Date: Thursday, January 17, 2002, 09:06 PM

    many happy memories came flooding back after reading this site. fantastic job your doing derek. should be able to lay my hands on a school photogragh(1985 i think). still living local
    Derek Johnson

    I Left in: 1963
    Date: Saturday, December 29, 2001, 07:14 PM

    John, Nice to hear from you after all these years. I remember your fondness for explosives in the 6th Form. Hope you can make the reunion. Best wishes Derek Johnson
    John Cooper

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Saturday, December 29, 2001, 03:01 PM

    I left in 1964 and did BSc, PhD and postdoc before working for ICI for 25 years in this country and 2 years in Canada making explosives, finally becoming a consultant when they sold the business. Now have a part time chair at university. During my time at least 2 new games were invented. One involved taking the metal tops off the radiators and spinning at high speed on the desks. The winner was the one who could spin it for longest. The desks nearest to the windows tended to develop rings in the top surface and questions were asked. The second - radiball - involved rolling a tennis ball along the window sill till it hit one of the triangular window opening sections when it would be directed into one or other of the slots on the old fashioned radiator. A probability analysis was carried out and points aw
    John Gilbert

    I Left in: 1967
    Date: Monday, December 17, 2001, 08:55 PM

    Missed last re-union -Will try to attend next.
    BOB BROWN

    I Left in: 1962
    Date: Sunday, December 16, 2001, 09:22 PM

    Great to go back all those years and see the names and faces of so many, with lots of stories to tell. Looking forward to seeing old friends at the reunion.
    John Waterson

    I Left in: 1971
    Date: Sunday, December 16, 2001, 07:06 AM

    I left in 1971 aged 15 and a half and realised later the mistake I made, but after 4 years in the army I settled in Germany and have been there since. I am now a supervisor for a large chemical company. Tom `Frog `Goodwin was our form teacher and took us for Biology as well. I am still in contact with John Wainwright and Derek Hambleton who is family and left at the end of the sixties.
    I remember names like: Kev Tootill, Alf Werner, Tommo, Anthony Scriven, Kevin Toothill, Paul Wheat, Paul Unwin, Alf Werner, Hall the violinist, Pryzybla and Dave McCarthy. If anyone can remember me please get in touch. I hope to make the reunion it should be a right laugh.
    Nice site Derek keep it running.
    Anthony Shaw

    I Left in: 1970
    Date: Friday, December 14, 2001, 07:41 PM

    I have the 1970 photo hanging at home. I've added a few names to it. I'm living in Poole and working in IT at American Express. I did sciences at Stanfield so I remember the greats - Jack Burton, Daddy Knight, Mr Ballham, Mr Riley and Mr Kilfoil. I look forward to contacting some of my old classmates. Great web site!
    P Shenton

    I Left in: 1970
    Date: Sunday, December 09, 2001, 05:52 PM

    Thanks for all your hard work. I am a South Yorkshire comprehensive head - Obviously Bill Potts wasn't too frightening! I remain in touch with one other 'old boy', Alan Bridge (he with the messerscmidt - close enough Alan?)
    John Palfreyman

    I Left in: 1960
    Date: Saturday, December 08, 2001, 08:35 PM

    After leaving Stanfields Tec in 1960 did L'boro Uni, worked London, B'ham, Perth West Aussi., Saudi Arabia and then returned to work at Stoke Tech!!! (How the mighty are fallen) College in Moorland Road!
    And guess what?? We used the old site in MR as an annexe and I taught classes in JEB's lab and it still stinks of chemicals and the science old lab (can't remember its number) which we always said was the mortuary for the old hospital still smells of formaldehyde!
    Many ex tec lads at Stoke Tech college when I was there, Phil Bernie, Ken Jones, John Powner, Ken Orme (stopped playing cricket he said because the could not find a box big enough for him!)
    Also when at L'boro kept in touch with Phil Worsdale, bumped into him at ICL when I ran some courses there about 6/7 years ago. Now in contact with Bernie
    John Pugh

    I Left in: 1971
    Date: Saturday, December 08, 2001, 06:47 PM

    Great to see some names from the dim and distant past - I left in 1971 and moved to the North East would love to hear from any of the old 5C gang who left in '71 for 6th form or parts foreign. I'm now married, a Methodist Minister and residing near Durham. Great site by the way
    Lindsay Whitehouse

    I Left in: 1970
    Date: Thursday, December 06, 2001, 07:06 PM

    What a find, have identified quite a few of the names on the 1970 photo and will revisit to identify more. My only achievement at the school was in the field of athletics but it was a wonderful trip into nostalgia to see the photo. +
    Wilf Deakin

    I Left in: 1963
    Date: Sunday, December 02, 2001, 05:25 PM

    Well seems like reading The Observer over all these years has finally paid dividends! Front page article on "Friendsreunited" site led me to here. What a surprise to find so much activity. I will certainly come to any reunion.+
    David Rawlins

    I Left in: 1957
    Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2001, 06:14 PM

    Scraped into SCTS with 13 + from Oakhill Secondary Modern with David Taylor who lives in Formby now. Not much in the Guestbook before 1957. Have a copy of The Review #3 dec 1956 which brings back memories of Neville Jones, Frank Brown, Alan Jones(snowy), JD Jones,Velnoweth,Walwyn,George Barlow and many more. Am in touch with Dave Taylor, David Cartlidge and see George Barlow at Garners but would like to hear from others. +
    Phillip Birnie

    I Left in: 1953
    Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2001, 12:01 PM

    We had to travel between the two sites during lunchtime. There were three teachers called Taylor...'Geog' Taylor, Metalwork Taylor and another. We used to get 'pennny killer' ice lollies in a small shop at the bottom of Moorlan Road. I was in the same class as Nudder Bourne and Billy Foster and Schoey Hopkins.
    Alan Bowen

    I Left in: 1971
    Date: Sunday, November 25, 2001, 09:46 AM

    Thanks for the site; it brought back lots of memories of teachers, Harry Taylor and Jack Berresford just for starters, and boys. I remeber from my class of 1966 to 1971 (I was in the C stream); Richard Hollins, Paul Barnes, Carl Brough, Paul Colcolough, John Lawton, Philip Balkeman, Steve Davies. I have somewhere a school photo taken when I was in the third year in 1969. Thanks agian.
    Haydn Whitmore

    I Left in: 1972
    Date: Friday, November 23, 2001, 08:24 PM

    Great site, keep up the good work. It's strange after all this time seeing those faintly remembered faces in the school photos and trying to put names to them. I might even make it to the reunion.
    Mark Lyttleton

    I Left in: 1972
    Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2001, 12:22 AM

    I think that a statue of Derek should be erected for his efforts with the STHS site. Surely a place in the New Years Honours beckons. By the time of the proposed reunion, this site should be vast and comprehensive(or should that be 'Technical?')+
    Derek Johnson

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2001, 12:02 AM

    Just tested this with Netscape 6.1. Seems OK to me.
    Derek Johnson

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Tuesday, November 20, 2001, 11:59 PM

    I've just updated the Guestbook system. If you use the system more than once, it should now remember your details, so that you don't have to add them each time. Next stop the re-union list. [Now fixed] Derek
    Terry Webster

    I Left in:n/a
    Date: Friday, November 09, 2001, 11:25 AM

    Whilst not attending the school I am the project co-ordinator for the restoration of the old technical school site on Moorland Road. When the Burslem Trust bought the building most people thought that it could not be saved. We proved them wrong by completly renovating the building after extensive dry rot that had ran rampant throughout the building. We literally began with an empty brick shell! The building will be open in a matter of weeks (although the landscaping will take longer). Local people who had attended the tech urged us to rescue the building. It is thanks to them that we took the plunge and saved the building. It's nice to know that people still care about their old school! Good luck with the website!
    David Brindley

    I Left in: 1971
    Date: Saturday, October 27, 2001, 05:37 PM

    What a find! I was really please to find the web page - it brought back some good memories - 'Polly' Adams, 'Sifta' Salt were but two of the teacher I remember. I have the school photograph of 1970 which was the last photo before the Comprehensive. In fact I left Stanfields the year before the change moving up to the newly built Sixth Form College. Good luck with the site.
    John Whitmore.

    I Left in: 1942
    Date: Thursday, October 25, 2001, 10:37 AM

    Very interesting site. Thanks for the memories.
    I just wondered if any one went to that school before I left in 1942?

    "Hand's up" all those who can answer the following?

    1) What does JTS stand for?
    2) Where was Haydens shop where you got your tie and badge from?
    2) What colour's were the tie?
    3) Who got 'whopped' over the vaulting horse for taking the punt off Burslem Park lake to visit the island during break?
    4) What does JAC stand for on your homework marks?
    5) Who was it who made you read Sir Walter Scott's "The Hunting Tower" for an exam?
    6) How many arrived late for morning assembly as they said the Longton train was never on time?
    7) Name the 5 days and subjects for homework?
    8) Name any pupil who attended prior to 1942?

    A commemorative forged eye bolt made in the metalworkshop will be given to anyone answering six or more correctly.

    John Whitmore

    Stephen Baggaley

    I Left in: 1974
    Date: Sunday, October 14, 2001, 10:23 PM

    I was at Stanfields when it changed from a Technical school to a Comprehensive and started to admit girls! I am sure that I have the last school photo taken while it was a Tech. school, taken in 1969. I now live in Majorca, Spain but would be interested in a reunion next August. Keep up the good work, Steve.
    Martin Sidley

    I Left in: 1965
    Date: Sunday, October 14, 2001, 06:08 PM

    What an interesting site and a great idea. Any one fancy a drink in the Leek or SoT area before the reunion/
    Ray Walters

    I Left in: 1963
    Date: Sunday, September 30, 2001, 02:09 AM

    You are doing a remarkable job Derek, keep up the good work. Nice to see Neil Miflins name, he was in my form. I hope that the school reunion is a success, unfortunately it is a year to early for me as I will not be over there till probably 2003. Anyway hope to catch up with some of the old boys when I'm over.
    Tony Boulton

    I Left in: 1967
    Date: Friday, September 28, 2001, 04:39 AM

    What a great find this is! It seems you guys have only just got going, but I am sure the news will spread pretty quickly anout this great site. I'll do my best to fill in some of the missing names on the 1961 photo. (I have a later photo at home too).
    Neil Mifflin (Ez)

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Friday, September 21, 2001, 08:28 PM

    Hi All, What a shock to see myself in the 1957 photo (11th. from right in the front row, a lowly first former), also in the photo of the Lower 6th Arts. Graham Jones is also on this and I married his sister! Congratulations to all concerned for a pleasant surprise.
    Tom Platt

    I Left in: 1961
    Date: Sunday, September 16, 2001, 02:29 PM

    In my opinion Derek Johnson has done an amazing job with this site. It helps to preserve and develop the sort of vision that the people who started the Tech had in mind. I don't know who these people were. Bill Potts must surely be one of them.
    Derek Johnson

    I Left in: 1964
    Date: Sunday, September 02, 2001, 08:50 PM

    Welcome to the Guestbook. Please feel free to add your own messages here.


    Previous Page

    or Top