Where are they now? - 1980's

 

Mark Alton
Leaving Date: 1980
Email: altonmark@aol.com
Location: Wilmslow, Cheshire

Message:

Attended KNBS 1975 - 1980.

Working now in global risk insurance underwriting.

Discovered site via my nephew (Matthew Alton) who is now a present-day pupil at KNBS.

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Chris Clarke
Leaving Date: 1980
Email: cclarke@thorns-s.dudley.gov.uk
Location: Dudley

Message:

I attended KNBS from 1973-1980 and I would love to hear from any past students who remember me ! I spent my early years with tutors Mr Chapman (Maths), followed by Mr Coleman (Art) and later Mr Mobley (Biology). A lot of my time out side of school was taken up with productions,and I was in many over that period, mainly organised by Dave Hill and Norman Lee. These included "King Arthur" (written by Killer Kev Jones) and Kes, a joint production with KNGS. Dave Hill was a real inspiration and if anyone knows where I can contact him, I would be really grateful-especially since I am a Head of Drama in a school in Dudley. Teachers I remember are Mr Burgess, Mr Hurt-who someone got me through O Level Maths, Mr Burrows and his theatre trips, Mr Poole who used to distribute the new exercise books !, Mr Faulkner and Mr Bailey (Geography)-the latter parting my hair with a board rubber in one lesson, Mr Rowe (Woodwork) who was First Aid too I think-he was always dishing out
paracetamols as I recall. The list is endless ! I hope someone out there remembers me-the fat one with glasses !
Cheers
Chris Clarke

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David Galloway
Leaving Date: 1980
Email: dgalloway@bluehorizons.freeserve.co.uk
Location: UK

Message:

I was at the school from 1973 to 1980, and I'm still involved, helping out Ian Nelson with the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. I still see a few of my old school mates on a regular basis: Clive Dean, Steve Hinks, Martin Brown, John Prendergast, Jez Moorcroft. And then there's that man who keeps appearing on the TV and Radio... Adrian Goldberg. Was it really 20 years ago that I left?

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Peter Watkins
Leaving Date: 1980
Email: peterjw1@aol.com
Location: London

Message:

Left Kings Norton in 1980 / 81??? Memory hazy! Strong memories of English lessons with Ms Wheelan (where is she now??) - art lessons with Jerry Coleman (did he have 15 children or something!!??) - and of course 6th form English lessons with Dave Hill/Norman Lee - where are they now? Also the ridiculous system for choosing A levels - (sorry but it was!! ) - hope this has now been scrapped!! Had a good time on the whole at KH, but must admit on reflection there was alot that could have been far better and the Headmaster's particular style of "leadership" left a lot to be desired!
Studied Eng Lit at Hull University and had a fantastic time there - got involved in left wing politics and -  how shall we say - action!! (it was the Thatcher years and the time of the Miners Strike!! ) and started working in the area of homelessness - advising those in housing need about options and working on their behalf. Wrote several articles for local newspapers, formed various bands, appeared in semi professional operas  (!!) and then moved to London where I continued working in the same area, advocating for those with particular housing need.
Now working for the largest housing association in England housing people with special needs - we provide constant cover and social support to people with drug and alcohol problems, women fleeing violence, those with mental health problems etc etc . The aim is to get them living independently in the community and give them the life skills to do so.  I am Head of Training and Development for the nigh on 3, 500 staff we employ, so there is alot to do!! Very challenging and enjoy this - plus alot of travelling all over the UK.
 I have just completed a masters degree in Social Science and spend the rest of my time living with my partner in Stoke Newington and enjoying what London has to offer!
Would be great to hear from anyone - especially those in Kevin Jones' "King Arthur" production. What innocent days they were !

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Adam Blizzard
Leaving Date: 1981
Email: adamblizzard@hotmail.com
Location: Rednal

Message:

Just discovered KNBS via my brother Lee, I attended from 76 to 81 ish ,if anybody remembers me it wasn't on a regular basis, I can recall many days spent wandering around the Bull Ring alone, or with the likes of Stephen Eaton better known as tank Chris Ames, Lee Jones etc, on one occasion we went to the Odeon New Street and saw Rising Damp the movie, better than school I suppose.  

Many good years partially spent at KNBS, i was the fat kid who lived in a pub . Other chums i remember are the Bosworth twins [who never shared there sweets but i could allways wangle one from martin] good old noddy, Pat Hannah, Mark Davies Anderton, Ian Kemp, Steve Baker who i tormented to death [sorry],there was one smashing lad i cant remember his name he would allways dye his hair and style it like Phill Oakley. Teachers: Wright, Mobley, Chapman, Hill, Faulkner, Roe, and of course Mr Hunt who for his pleasure would pick you up by your sideburns. 

Anyone remember singing hersham boys in the back of the School transit and rocking it so violantly through the cattle grids of Wales that we removed all the paint from its sides and Mr Faulkener threatening to confiscate our cider, those were the days called geology trips fantastic. I often drive past and look at Brendas old shop [now a house] and long for a 7p of bread and a packet of snaps,thats why i'm still fat, been a mechanic forever and in my 21st year as a mobile DJ with a few good contracts under my belt, on  the whole fantastic years.

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Adrian Brown
Leaving Date: 1981
Email: adeheathen@aol.com
Location: UK

Message:

I was at KN from 1974 to 1981 and some of us are thinking of getting a reunion together next year.

For those of you who may wish to avoid /join us:
beside myself, there's Nigel Comer, John Bishop, Phil Johnston and Richard Seal.
Plus a few folks who are not so e-literate.

Whenever me and Andy Collins get together (oops sorry, forgot it was a GRAMMAR school) we often compete to remember the most obscure pupil.
Was it you ? Actually it was probably me.

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Ian Hudson
Leaving Date: 1981
Email: ian.hudson@ntlworld.com
Location: Leicester

Message:

Old Nortonian from 1974-1981. Other reprobates around were Phil Johnston, Nigel Comer, Ada Brown, Richard Seal, Tim Solari, Guy Jones, Alan Smith (of Arsenal and England fame), Lee Pointon,Dave Lewis,Rob Farr, Pete Fischer,
John Bishop and many others. I'm now a Consultant Cardiologist in Leicester and have loads of memories of KNBS. Trips down to and links with KNGS were established largely by our crowd and were very profitable! Fond memories of
trips to the Isle of Man with Steve Mobley, and bringing back a dead seal for dissection really caused a stir or stink or both... Oh and listening to old Fred Vane reading Biology textbooks to us. The famous quote of the late Mr. Jack (Latin and Greek): Linesth or Clippth boy? Lines meant 2000 huge paragraphs. It was the great Howard Stockley who gave me the web address.
Anyone out there need a quick ECG?

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John Bishop
Leaving Date: 1981
Email: j.w.bishop@computer.org
Location: UK

Message:

I shall add my name to the growing list of the class of '81! For those who can't bring me to mind then think "gringo" (how I hated that!). Anyone out there for a reunion in 2001? TTFN (PS I'm not leggy or blonde I'm afraid!).

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Peter Fischer
Leaving Date: 1981
Email: petefischer@lineone.net
Location: Crewe, Cheshire.

Message:

I started when KNBS retained its Grammar School status (1974) and left in 1981. My best memory (so my wife tells me) is going to the Girl's school at lunchtime when we were in the sixth form so we could mix with our sister school (and more importantly eye up the girls!). I met Ruth Ballard there, who in 1983 became Mrs Fischer. We have been married 17 years and now have 4 children (aged 14, 12, 10 and 5). I look forward to some sort of reunion if any of my old chums get to read this (Phil Johnston - my brother in law!, Adrian Brown, John Bishop, Richard Seal, Ian Hudson, Roger Lawson, Roger Haines and anyone else of course) Regards, Pete Fischer

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Richard Seal
Leaving Date: 1981
Email: rjseal@globalnet.co.uk
Location: UK

Message:

I attended KNBS at the same time as Adrian Brown (see earlier post) and I have very fond memories of the staff and pupils of that time. Adrian, Phil and Myself were some of the first to establish 'social intercourse' with the girls school during balmy summer lunchtimes in their common room.

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Rob Farr
Leaving Date: 1981
Email: rfarr@nalco.com
Location: Cheshire

Message:

I went to KNBS from September 1973 to Jul 1981 (stayed on extra year in 6th form for A level retakes)
A good site!

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Phil Thomas
Leaving Date: 1981
Email: phil_thomas38@yahoo.co.uk
Location: Ireland

Message:

I attended KNBS the first year intake that it was no longer Grammar school, lots of good memories especially the tuck shop and playing soccer on the fields at breaktimes.

The teachers i remember were Mr Jack still have memories of the sore ears clips Mr Vine Mr Coleman Mr Wright Mr Burrows Mr Hattersley Mrs Alderman and thank them all for the good times and support.
If anyone remembers myself get in touch do not get back to Birmingham often enough now but would love to hear from someone thanks

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Steve Weller
Leaving Date: 1981
Email: sad@wellers.freeserve.co.uk
Location: Birmingham

Message:

(Attended 1976-81) It brings back lots of memories visiting this web site. There's not much from the seventies so I thought i'd write down a few thoughts as they spring to mind. The snowball fights on the playing field; 6th formers v the rest of the school. Stephen Jack giving out clip(ths) round the head and lifting you out of your seat by the hair on the back of your neck. Charlie Chester making History interesting and bringing it to life. Seeing Alan Smith (later Arsenal F.C. & England) break the school high jump record on sportsday. Always getting the best marks for PE/Games - Thank you Mr Burgess. Making darts out of drawing pins , blue tack and paper - Wonder if that one is still stuck on the assembly hall ceiling !? Mr Vine's sarcasm. Sliding down the playground in the ice Captaining & Winning The Chess Tournament for Wright House. Our Class - Allen , Beckett , Bevan, Darby, Dodd, Finnerty ,Fox , Garner .... it still sticks in the mind.

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David Cotterill-Drew
Leaving Date: 1982
Email: d.j.c.cotterill-drew1@studnet.derby.ac.uk
Location: Ilkeston, Derbyshire

Message:

I am a former pupil of KNBS having left in 1982,I have now returned to higher education at the University of Derby, studying Electrical & Electronic Engineering.

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Nigel Comer
Leaving Date: 1982
Email: nigelcomer@aol.com
Location: Birmingham

Message:

I attended KNBS between '74 and '82 during the transition from Grammar to Comprehensive. There are many fond memories; firstly my fellow pupils, a great bunch a number of whom I still actively contact or see today namely; Kevin Jelf, Andy Morton, Adrian Brown,Ian Hudson, Phil Johnston,John Bishop. Educationally I failed to fulfil my potential, despite the excellent teaching (Howard Stockley, Steve Mobley, Doc Hosfield, Norman Lee, John Hattersley et al) or so my school reports say...still remember mum and dad returning from 5th form parents evening stony faced...OUCH!!

What really marked the school out for me was Steve Mobleys' dedication and support to the outdoor activities. There were some fantastic adventures. In the earlier years at Pen Rhos, the school cottage, where we walked in the mountains, climbed and canoed.
Lake Bala ditto. The most memorable trip was in the long hot summer of 1976 when Steve and his wife bravely took a party of boys on a tour through the rivers of central France and the Mediterranean (briefly) by canoe. The scenery was breathtaking, the Pont D'Arc a huge limestone arch over the river and also the nudists who caused quite a stir. If you've still got the slides Steve put a selection on the site!!!

The site is excellent keep up the good work.

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David Shaw
Leaving Date: 1983
Email: dave@daveshaw.plus.com
Location: Leamington Spa

Message:

I started at the school in the September of 1975 and if I remember correctly there was a bomb/fire alert on the very first day, therefore my first impressions of the school were of the playing fields, in the cold.  Things could only get better.

The school at this stage was going through a change from Grammar to Comprehensive. I was in the first Comprehensive year, but this did not stop the teachers from continuing with Grammar School ways.  The general feeling was that until the last Grammar School pupil left, the school was not a "proper" Comprehensive.

The memories of my early years are a little blurred (well it is over 25 years ago), but I am sure there were fun.

However, it is strange how certain things stick in your memory.  Mr Holland, complete with clip on tie, teaching Classical Studies. Mr Jack offering you the choice of a Clip or Lines (You only ever made the mistake of selecting lines once). Mr Bailey launching chalk, board rubbers and the like at the more "demanding" members of class.  Mr Burrows with his equal love of French and Worcestershire County Cricket Club.  Mr Poole, the keeper of the new exercise book cupboard.

The memories of the fourth and fifth years are clearer, as I was in the classes I wanted to be in.  Chemistry with "Doc" and "Jack the Hat", Maths with Ken Poole, Physics with Mr Hallows and of course Howard Stockley.

The Headmaster at this time was K A Hearne, everone who met him and stayed on to the 6th form will no doubt remember his fixation with complete and accurate completion of UCCA forms.

The sixth form were without doubt my favourite years, not only for the scholastic achievements, but also for the Friday and Saturday nights at The Camp.  I can still remember the people down there; Keith Rogers, Jon Cully , Kev McGovern, Rob McIntosh, Alec Courts, Greg Howells, Tony Wright.  The saturday nights sometimes only started in The Camp, they progressed to such night spots as Edwards No 7, and if we were feeling like a "Big Boys" night out, The Dome.  It was probably this extra curriculum activity that foced me to re-sit my A Levels, but in the end I passed and with great sadness had to leave the school to embark on years of further education.

The sixth form was also a benefit because it allowed us access to King's Norton Girls' School, many a lunch time was spent in their common room.
 
I visited the school a few times after I left, but haven't been back for at least 15 years, but I will one day.

These days I am a Technical Support Manager for a Software House (the three years at Coventry studying Metallurgy and Materials Technology were useful then!!!)  I still keep in touch with Alec Courts (I was Best Man at his Wedding and God Father to half of his brood).

If you were to ask me to pick out one character from school above all others, it would have to be Howard Stockley.  His love of the subject and his keeness to help boys succeed was astonishing. I can always remember his Physics "Multi Choice" questions, with answers such as "D. A Camel".

All in all it was a good seven years, and will stay with me for the rest of my life.


And remember "Humani Semper Contendimus" - hmmm, maybe I should have listened more to Mr Holland.......

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Derek Woolfson
Leaving Date: 1983
Email: dek@biols.susx.ac.uk
Location: Brighton

Message:

I was at KNBS from 1976 - 1983.  I loved it:  I was taught well, I learned a lot, I had fun on the sports field and lots more.  Without Howard Stockley, Doc. Hosfield, John Hattersley, Morris Burrows, Bill Bailey, Karl Hearne and many others I wouldn't have gone to university, which, for me at least, would have been a disaster.  All of this set me up for life and now help me in my career as a scientist and university lecturer.

On the lighter side, my memories echo many of Steve Weller's, but here are a few more: (badly played) football in blistering heat on the playing field in summer (I still have a photo from one such day, which I will search out, scan and post it on my web site); chess club at lunchtime; desktop basketball with a 2p piece; travelling with the chess team (Chris Barber, the Hodges twins and others) to away fixtures; the School production of Kes; the cricket cradle; Bill Bailey (in one smooth move) hearing a voice, swivelling around on his feet, launching a piece of chalk and hitting the offending student; football with a tennis ball or something smaller in the "far (?)" playground in the winter; Howard peering over his half-moon specs and shouting "bloody fool" encouragingly at someone in O' level physics; Steve Mobley and others emerging miraculously from lake Bala in their diving gear; fishing a small stream at Bala for trout; my various classmates from 1B and up (Dave) Boscott! , (Chris) Jones, (Kev) Mason, (Phil) Milner, (Trevor) Jones, (Mark) Bishop, (Mark) Rea, Noddy (Davis), (Mark) Reynolds; (Mark) Davies, (Sandy) Forbes, (Mike) Rock, (Shreyas) Naik and many others (first names weren't cool then and so were hardly used- shame); Speech Day at Cadbury's; Weaver House winning "everything" and, in particular, never losing to Steve Weller or Wright House at chess (but perhaps my memories are somewhat selective).

Finally, my brother (Ian) attended KNBS from 1978 - 1983.  He is well and enjoying life as a scuba-diving instructor in Australia.

All the best,

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Nick Field
Leaving Date: 1984
Email: nickfield@btinternet.com
Location: Clapham, London

Message:

Well, it's great to find a site about the old place - hadn't really thought about it much until I found the friendsreunited web site a few months ago.

Got to admit, when I came across the link for this site and started reading some of the posts, all the memories came flooding back - it felt like being 16 again!! Was kind of strange!

Really nice to hear about some of the people & teachers I remember from back then - Howard, Rob Flynn, Dave Hill, John Hattersley, Steve Mobley, Stuart Vine, Malcolm Burgess - guys, if you read this, Hi there, remember me? Hope you are all well. I still remember the lessons you all did as if it were yesterday - was really surprised a lot of you are still there!

I reckon I was pretty happy there from what I remember - could have been better sometimes, as I guess I was still 'in my shell' at the time :-), but generally I had a good time.

Looking back though, even if I  *did* do quite well in the sciences, I honestly wasn't cut out for the science/maths route that I eventually took through to A's, and although it didn't do me any harm, can't help wondering what I'd be doing now if I'd have taken a different route.

So, what am I doing now?

Well, left KNBS in '84 and went on to do Business Studies at Lanchester Poly from '84 - '87.

Moved down to London to work pretty much straight from uni - got a job as account manager in an ad agency, started playing rugby and pretty much had a cool time doing that for a few years.

Went off to Africa to do a bit of travelling in 1990, came back and started a design consultancy with a work colleague which we ran for about 2 1/2 years before we both decided to wind it down and get back into the big game (something to do with recession, not making enough money, the stress of running your own set-up and a bit of a change of philosophy on life !!)

Got into the whole new media/internet thing around 1994, which was when it had just started to hit the UK, so was a pretty exciting time - I was lucky enough to work for a big US agency as Account Director, responsible for developing websites for big blue-chips like British Airways and then for a couple of other companies with other pretty big clients, before moving on and heading up the marketing for a European digital music site. Great time and brilliant to be involved from the beginning in an industry that was evolving so quickly and shaping the way we all live and work , but to be honest, way too stressful sometimes.
 
Now living in Clapham, London with my partner, having a fine old time and heading Marketing and Web Content Development for a property site that has developed a new House Price Index.

Drop me a line and say hi, it\'d be good to get back in touch with anyone who remembers me.

Although still meet up with a few old friends from Birmingham days, have lost touch with most people from school when I moved away, so it\'d be good to hear from anyone who knew me.

All the best

Nick

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Adrian Dalziel
Leaving Date: 1985
Email: adriand@birmingha-coach.co.uk
Location: Warley

Message:

Wonderful to see the web site which I found from friends reunited. Amazing to see so many familiar names from the past - messrs Wright, Chapman, Burrows, Falconer, Hattersley, Chester etc etc.

Attended from 78 - 85 and have to say that my memories are all good - happiest being Dave Brown stopping in a cupboard all through one of John Chester's double history lessons. Great days, great school - thanks for the start that all you guys gave me in life

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Lawrence Booth
Leaving Date: 1985
Email: lawrence@booth32.fsnet.co.uk
Location: Buckinghamshire

Message:

Was at KNBS 81 to 85, have really fond memories. Good to see some name I recognise on the guest book and that they are doing well. Now I have found this excellent website, I will visit regularly and inform my old school mates that I am still in contact with after all these years!!

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Eddie Evans
Leaving Date: 1985
Email: Not Specified
Location: Birmingham

Message:

I have been working in the Computer Industry ever since leaving school, currently working for a very large IT company with approx 10,000 employees here in the Uk and Europe.

Married for over 10 years with one Daugther who 3 years old and the apple of my eye.

I still live in Birmingham, (As I love it here and wouldn't live anywhere else),and haven't kicked a Football since leaving that I do miss.

I found this site Via Friends reunited, but after all these years I find it hard to put faces to the names.


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Julian Small
Leaving Date: 1987
Email: juliansmall@atkins-china.com.hk
Location: Sydney, Australia

Message:

Web Administrator - Firstly, congratulations on the web page - very impressive. I was at KNBS from 1980-1987 I recognise a couple of teachers who are still there from that period - good to see Jack Hattersley is still around (and Mr Hearn is not).. I wonder if you could forward to me Mr Stockley\'s email address if you have it. Please pass on my regards to anyone who remembers me particularly Jack.

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Iain Shaw
Leaving Date: 1989
Email: iainshaw@btinternet.com
Location: Galway

Message:

Was at KNBS 81 -89, later went to Wolves Poly (Bsc) and then to Royal Veterinary College (PhD). Looking forward to visiting prior to leaving for Galway. Fond memories of Jack Hattersley getting me interested in Science and Fred Vane doing his best to control a biology class (was he pushed or did he jump). Was in school orchestra for entire time at KNBS - anyone willing to run me off a copy of any videos or tapes ?

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Ian Shackleford
Leaving Date: 1989
Email: pud1407@aol.com
Location: Northfield

Message:

Hi all at KNBS
I was at KNBS between 1983-1989 and had six great years there.
My favourite teachers were Mr.Hill (English), Mr Faulkner (Geology), Mr Burrows (French) sadly now deaceasd but not forgotten.
I was a member of all the football teams from 1st year through to Sixth Form and would like to think we were quite successful.
Fond memories also of Brendas Tuck Shop next door to the school having a half loaf of bread and cheesy puffs crisps also now sadly not there.
Mr Hearne was my headmaster and he was a good one too always representing the school with pride.
As we all say when we're there school was a crappy place to be but i'm 29 now and god, i wish i was back there now ha ha!
If anyone reading this remembers me, please e-mail me as it would be great to hear from someone from my schooldays.
Ian.

 

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Neville Ingram
Leaving Date: 1989
Email: ningram@ic24.net
Location: North Devon

Message:

To all you old boys looking for old friends from 1984 to 1989. Recently returned from South Africa where I spent 10 years. Hoping to catchup with old friends.  Please email me,  Cheers,  Neville.

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Adam Ferris
Leaving Date: 1989
Email: a.ferris@feggy.freeserve.co.uk
Location: Stourbridge

Message:


I had 6 memorable years at KNBS and like Ian Shakleford had lots of memories of playing football and representing the school as goalkeeper and getting mudded up to the eye balls at much as possible.

Other friends from school were, Dave Allen, Barry Morse and Jason Ashfield.

I also remember the daily trips to Brendas for lunch and snacks, but best of all was Table tennis whenever we had free time in the sixth form common room.

I wonder if anyone can remember the snowball fights we used to have as sixth formers against the the rest of the school.

Since leaving KNBS i joined Sainsburys and gradually worked my way through the levels of management to Duty Manager level and have now moved on to become Store manager of Iceland Foods at West Bromwich.

If anybody wishes to keep in touch please email me or pop in and visit me if you are in West brom at any time.

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Rob Styles
Leaving Date: 1989
Email: rob.styles@btinternet.com
Location: Aberystwyth

Message:

Attended KNGS for Boys 1962-89, didn't make the best of the teaching, all by excellent masters.  Important thing was that, without knowing, you were taught about life.  After failing to finish the course at Leeds University, I became a factory manager in the clothing industry, latterly with Laura Ashley, the only one to have read Latin and Greek!  

 

Remember the Italian visits with Howard Stockley, that's why I opened a pizza restaurant in Aberystwyth.  Sport was a big thing with the school.  Can recall having two teachers running the football team one year, one up to Christmas and one after.  Scraped into the team at left back only because I was left footed. Played with Brian Sheasby, didn't like to see him join the enemy, Villa, but sorry he was bombed out by Docherty.  That was the time The Blues were the top team, FA Cup semi final in 1968 etc.  Did a project with Graham James on The Blues after our GCEs.

Been in touch with Howard Stockley last year, must contact him again. Been back past the old school occasionally on my fleeting visits to Birmingham, looks just the same from Northfield Road.

Would appreciate any help in telling 14 year old daughter not to make the same mistakes and to work hard to gain qualifications. Very good at languages, English, Welsh, German & French but takes it easy, just like I did.

Thanks once again to those old fashioned teachers to whom it was more than just a job, it was a vocation.

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 1980's

Registered Names

 

Mark Alton

Chris Clarke

David Galloway

Peter Rymill

Peter Watkins

Adam Blizzard

Adrian Brown

Ian Hudson

John Bishop

Peter Fischer

Richard Seal

Rob Farr

Phil Thomas

Steve Weller

David Cotterill-Drew

Nigel Comer

David Shaw

Derek Woolfson

Nick Field

Adrian Dalziel

Lawrence Booth

Eddie Evans

Julian Small

Iain Shaw

Ian Shackleford

Neville Ingram

Adam Ferris

Rob Styles