Pendragon School

posted by David on 19 Oct 2006 at 2:02 pm

Are there any Old Pendragon pupils out there? Is there an old boys society? Can anybody let me know please.

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Pendragon School, Bexhill

posted by Mark on 03 Nov 2006 at 8:17 pm

My brother Chris and I went to Pendragon approx 1955/1957. Headmaster was Paul Baylis, teachers the Barker Bennets, Mr. Dove etc. Pals were Northover, the Hamadanis etc. Long time ago. When were you there? I remember the school originally being in a house a block or so from the seafront and then moving to a larger facility about a year before we left for Eastbourne. No Old Boy group as far as I know. You are probably the only other person I know of who even knew about the school. Is it still in existance?We now live in the US. MM

Pendragon School

posted by Wadi-Williams on 15 Dec 2006 at 3:59 am

Surprise, surprise, I was at Pendragon '63-66'.

I would love to hear from any & all of you.

Wadi-Williams

Pendragon School

posted by Mark Maxwell on 05 Apr 2007 at 8:48 pm

Going through old e mails and found this thread again. Wadi-Williams..were any of the above masters still at the school when you were there. What has become of the school? The uniforms were bright blue blazers and caps with a gold dragon standing on its rear legs. Look forward to hearing from anyone.

Pendragon School

posted by David on 04 May 2007 at 3:21 pm

Hi Wadi-Williams and Mark Maxwell, let's start a Pendragon School Old Boy's Society?

More Info Requested

posted by Mark Maxwell on 18 May 2007 at 10:14 pm

Tell us about yourself.

When were you there?
Where are you now?
Who were the teachers/headmaster?
Is the school still there?

Mark

Memories Of Pendragon

posted by Chris Poynter on 06 Jun 2007 at 9:06 am

Yes, I remember that horrible place!, and I'm not afraid to speak ill of the dead, so I hope Paul Baylis died a very long slow painful death with something very uncomfortable stuck up his ugly rear end! Amongst other things he was a sadistic predator! He used to buy in plastic skin to repair the backsides of the young boys he thrashed every afternoon. Had an intercom set up so that he could let the whole school know who was being called to his office for punishment. Used to get prefects to hold down boys who resisted. I went back to the UK in '83 and was very happy to see the school had been bulldozed, unfortunately the memories cannot be erased so easily! I don't think the old boys would be very keen to get together when the memories of so many would be clouded by treatment, that these days would see several members of the staff in prison.
There is a photograph on http://www.webshots.com of a school photograph from 1958, I'm 2nd from the left, 3rd row back, between Mike Catterall, who I suspect put the picture on the web, and Davies who snored away every night!
Regards
Chris Poynter, living happily everafter 12000 miles away, despite the trauma Paul Baylis inflicted!

Pendragon Boys

posted by Barry Scowen on 14 Jun 2007 at 10:39 am

Poynter, you're still alive and carry many of the memories that immediatly come to mind when reliving our school days.

Quite a few boys are listed on Friends Reunited.com ( http://www.friendsreunited.com )

It started off quite well in the early days of the site but has slowly dwindled away over the last few years.

Pendragon Boys

posted by Chris Poynter on 15 Jun 2007 at 1:54 pm

G'day Barry,

I'm afraid I don't remember your name, getting on for 50 years ago now! So many bad memories that are still so fresh, and the few good memories that are fading! The only member of staff who gained my respect was Mr Ball, geography and sports. One summer, I guess it must have been '59 or '60, he took a group of us on a 2 week trip to the west coast of France, not far from La Rochelle. Many good memories of that trip, although the memory of my introduction to white wine at an oyster breakfast is decidedly hazy! I swore off oysters for years after that! Mr Dove, science, was ok until his temper took over! The smell of alcohol encompasses my memories of other staff members, and I don't drink!
As for the boys...

Head boy by the name of White(?) who one day showed me some pictures of cargo ships, he was going to pre-sea training school at Conway in Wales, then on to the merchant navy. He inspired me to do the same via Southampton School of Navigation, and then on to 7 trips around the world in a few years, and my 'discovery' of Australia in 1963! The very best place in the world, 4 years later I moved here for good!

Another head boy Ryder R Rodgers, beat me at long jump, 1957(?), because he had spikes and I didn't! Sod, I can just see him driving a bloody Rolls Royce with the number plate RRR001
Petherbridge, whose parents ran a souvenir shop in the old mint at Pevensey, opposite the castle.
And Mike Catterall, my best friend at Pendragon, spent summer holidays at his home in Canterbury.
Playing British Bulldog until it was banned, remember?

A young lass from Lancaster House by the name of Leslie, on whose account I got a wicked beating, but it was worth it!
And a young lass who worked in the Pendragon kitchen, she lived in Hastings, and she taught me a few things that were useful in life, which Pendragon did not! For the life of me I can't work out how we got away with it!
And there are a couple of rare good memories of Paul Baylis, he really could play the church organ! I believe he used to play on the radio during the war. And he was a good choir master. I think the one thing that saved me from a worse fate at his hands, was that I could sing reasonably well! I seem to remember singing in the choir at his wedding at the small church in Alfreston. I suspect his wife sang at the divorce! She is in that school photo from '58.
I had a quick look at friendsreunited without any success, such is life.

Ah well, time to get some firewood in, have a chat to the kangaroos in the back paddock, and check out the stars. No moon tonight, and a frost on the way, so the sky will be clear and still. The Milky Way will be arching right overhead, Jupiter sailing between Scorpius and Sagittarius. Who needs memories when there are such good things to experience today!

Regards
Chris

Pendragon Boys

posted by Barry Scowen on 26 Jun 2007 at 3:05 pm

Chris,
I rememder you as we where for a while in the same dorm at the new school I did'nt arrive until Sept 1960 and escaped late 63.Of the old boys I have made contact with Neil innes net up with him and David Andrewsafter about 30+ years,Andrews brought dozens of photos,how everyone looked relaxed and had smilie faces God only knows.Don't remind me of Rogers he was head boy when I first came ,what a self opinionated religion driven little prat he was.He had a lap dog called Wilson who ran away from school undre mysterious circumstances never to return-what a wiered character he was.Nice to hear that you had the odd female connection,I met and was in touch with a girl from Charters Towers during and after I left Bexhill,but as usual local distractions played there part and we both stopped writingTry again to log on to Friends Reunited its interesting to read the reports and find out what people have done and what they are doing now.
Kind Regards Barry
Kind regards

Pendragon School

posted by James 'Jim' Winter on 09 Oct 2007 at 12:52 am

Im having a tough time finding words foir this -the shock of googling the word just now and suddenly I'm looking at the names and words of a survivors I ACTUALLY remember. I have only once met someone who also went to the school and that was Graham Pile or was it Pyle we ended up in the Army Apprentices a fw month apart in 1961and he took to it as to the manor borne while I left after a year of another kind of institutional hell. Still it was on the way to recovery!

But, I can still see Mark Catterall and Chris Poynter in my mind's eye and others come to mind like the Goodchilds Stephen and Gath, Northover whose people were kind to me on a visit. James Seelig whose friendship in those times I have long valued as a kind of anchor and who I googled a few minutes earlier and thoughts of those times brought me to this. I've wondered what happened to him.

Sheik, Yuratogu,

Shocking but unsurprising that we all seem to have such a lot of baggage from that place.

One of the happiest days of my life was way back in about 1969m or 70 when lured by some hideous attraction to drive past the old school I was absolutely thilled to bits to see it had been turned into a block of flats. It was good to think that the damage had ended.

Readying Barry above Im a bit concerned that the school may have simply relocated - Ive spent 30 odd years in the fond belief that the dammed school was closed down hmmm

But we all obviously carry the scars of that place and time so far and long away from - well I'd like to say home but the truth is that after I'd been there over half my young life I trully think I had no idea what family was.

It took until I was 40 to shake off the institutionalisation and work for myself.

I still have as school picture dating from about 1957 - its not something I care to look at much - such an shy innocent then and better things to do than brood over old iniquities and injuries.

There'sa familiarity to your name too Barry I Left at Xmas 1960 so we probably met - by that ti

Glad to hear you have settled well in Oz Chris I always admired and even envied you your friendship with Mike Catterall with his hair swept back in a PJProby sort of way and am sad that such a friendship passed. I've lways hoped that the sort of lifelong friendships I have not had, existed somewhere.

enough of this - hello to you all one day i may look at friends reunited.

It wasn't all bad - do you remember breaking out one nght and going down into town and another time police picked a small group ( possibly just 2!) us up around the back of the girls school opposite and the girls were were chatting to refused to identify us - sweet memory that - She was the girl who i swapped notes with not often enough - but it made the heart race as they went to their chemistry lab down past the prefab classrooms and a dance they organised at the church.

Warm regards to you all.

Pendragon School

posted by James Seelig on 26 Oct 2007 at 2:07 pm

Hi Jim Winter, I am still alive and kicking. Friendships from a boarding school are very hard to keep, as at the end of term we all went our seperate ways, only to meet up again at Victoria station for the journey back to the PEn! If you go to Friends reunited I have given a all but brief low down to my life since then. I have always taken the positives out of my school days and I beleive that they have stood me in stead. I must be one of the lucky ones.. Jim when you get a chance drop me a line on my email.
Kind regards, Hope you have a great week end

Pendragon Boarding School

posted by ullas patel on 27 Nov 2007 at 9:13 pm

I was at pendragon from jan 1965 to jul 67
iwas 13 years,older prefect was called seilg

mr hooper was the deputy head,mr jackson re teacher was the house master,my friends were
claderwood,vogel(father surgeon in london)
robinson,hardy. french teacher was madam
thyne,blzer was blue,had to raise the cap if we
saw a teacher in town at week ends.i live
in birmingham

Pendragon School

posted by Shaun Allen on 10 Dec 2007 at 8:38 pm

Hello Chris Poynter,
I hardly expect anyone to remember me, however I have not yet managed to rid myself of some of those experiences gained during my period at Pendragon, from 1960 - 1965.
I recall being introduced to fish fingers only two, most Fridays, and cold round lumps of mashed potatoes. Can anyone remember when we tapped our feet, in the dining room, to Dave Clark Five singing Bits and Pieces? Ok, some half decent memories. Even playing rugby along the seafront on that wind swept pitch, or football in some muddy field past the girls' schools, and the inevitable cold showers which followed. Remember the queues which formed along the corridors?
When I heard that we were going to see the film "Bridge Over The River Kwai" I cursed myself for not getting a better seat. Next time we were told to go to the assembly hall, via the intercom, I was there with a seat almost in the front. Perfect viewing, I thought! That was the time Paul Baylis marched in with his black gown flowing behind him. He promptly announced that one of the boys living in Eastbourne had been heard swearing on the train, dressed in school uniform. He had asked(?) for permission to cane the boy concerned 25 times! That was when I first saw the infamous "Black Tape" canes that he used. (Black tape was used to stop the cane from splintering) Several extra canes leaned against the wooded side of the platform where he stood. Then the "guilty" person was led out and 2 prefects either side of him grasped his outstretched arms. Suddenly I started to wish that I hadn't been so eager to get such a good view. I shall never forget seeing Baylis complete the 25 strokes and the boy having to walk towards the back of the hall inbetween us all. That he managed that, albeit with his head low, is incredible. So when I some time later saw Baylis standing there in front of us saying that he was going to Switzerland, for an operation on his stomach ulcer, because he didn't trust the National Health, I didn't feel too much sympathy. Was there a silent cheer several weeks later when it filtered through that he had died there??? My only concerns were, who will now drive his rather smart Rover? Then there was a period with Mr Duncan Bain in charge before the Scotsman arrived. I left soon after. Positive memories also of Mr Bull whom I accompanied most mornings on the bus from Hastings. ( I always think of him when I from time to time have an Sunday lunch at the Bull Inn pub, which is between Bexhill and St.Leonards)
I spent a month in Australia last year (2006) seeing Colin Grassick in Sydney, whose brother(s) were at Pendragon. I spent my first years after the army working as a manager at Debenhams before switching to a Swedish company based in Brighton. One of my first tasks was to turn a rather delapidated girls school in Bexhill, St Francis, into something suitable for teaching several hundred students from Europe!!!
So, although I am here in Sweden, I have a mother in a nursing home in Bexhill, and still unable to break that mental Pendragon curse. Does anyone remember that rather attractive French teacher?

I have tried to explain my early educational experiences to Swedish friends, but they are unable to comprehend what we went through.

I was also in the choir. The boy who played the organ at school later played the organ at one of the churches in Bexhill.

So perhaps this might stimulate some memories for others, wherever you might be.

Good luck to you all.

from Shaun Allen

(what a great place Australia is)

ps I still have my boater in the cupboard. Somewhat misused, and with paint dotted around it, and the sides ever so slightly curved upwards...!

Pendragon School, Bexhill-on-Sea

posted by Barry Kingston ( NYE ) on 10 Jan 2008 at 4:08 pm

Hello out there! I bet no-one can honestly say they remember me ? I was at the dreaded Pendragon School in or about 1960, and thankfully only stayed a year!
My name then was BARRY NYE. I remember Michael Caterell, David Andrews, Peter Brierly as we all shared a dorm together.
I remember a guy called Tribbeck who was in my form ( class ) as he was intending to join the police force. Another boy was called ALLEN-WILLIAMS, and I think his mother was the school secretary. Also in our class was a guy I liked a lot called PERRIS ( can't recall his first name ).
Think the Latin Master was a Major Barker-Bennett. Remember the Sports Master Mr. Ball - nice guy. Also I think the Geography Master who had a room on the top floor of the building, and as I was a boarder, recall with affection how he used to let us visit his room some nights to listen to his radio as this was a REAL luxury in those far-back days. Can't recall his name at the mo.
Think there was a guy called FINCH but not sure.
I do remember one evening I didn't go into dining hall for supper as I had heard what it was and didn't like it so stayed in the classroom reading or something.
Afterwards when prep resumed, I remember well Mr Paul Baylis suddenly arrived and enquired why I hadn't attended for tea. He wasn't happy with my explanation and had arrived equipped with one of his notorious canes.
He called me out to the front of the room with the intention of giving my bottom a caning in front of my classmates.
I dug my heels in and refused to leave my seat telling him in no uncertain terms: "NO".
To this day I can't recall exactly why, but he seemed to lose interest or was amazed that anyone would stand up to his bullying ways, and departed the classroom. We all wondered what would happen next, but if I recall it was absolutely nothing and the matter was never mentioned ever againh.
If by chance anyone out there DOES vaguely remember me, you are very welcome to CALL me at ANYTIME on 078 102 82623 - would make for an interesting chat I guess. Barry

P.S.

posted by Barry Kingston ( NYE ) on 11 Jan 2008 at 2:17 pm

P.S. Remember now, master who taught Latin was surely Major Macintosh ???

More Memories Of Pendragon

posted by Chris Poynter on 25 Jan 2008 at 1:51 am

G'day Barry, Shaun,
Remember your names, can't put a face to them though, grey cells turning white!
The Barker-Bennetts, tweed jackets both of them, reeking of booze and tobacco, and I think both of them smoked a pipe! I seem to recall that Mrs BB wore a filthy black beret most of the time, but it didn't hide her beard!
The Professor, I'm sure taught latin, spitting at everyone. I think he was sloshed a fair bit of the time too!
The French Mistress!, oh yes she was gorgeous. Made a young lad wish he was a bit older! I mentioned in a previous post that Mr Ball took a group of us to France for a 2 week trip in '59 or '60. We pitched our tents in a camping ground not far from her home at the beach south of La Rochelle, can't remember the name of the village, something 'sur mare' on the Bay of Biscay. It was at the french mistresses home that I was introduced to alcohol, which for a period became a serious problem in my life. Been off the booze now for 28 years!
Rugby/soccer/cricket down the field by Galley Hill. I remember those cold showers with Bayliss watching very attentively! I also remember his 'hands on' approach to sex education, filthy bastard!
I can remember my father's reaction when, after attending Bayliss's memorial service at St Peters in Bexhill, I told him of my experiences at Pendragon. I nearly got another beating for not having told him what went on there. Dad worked fairly high up in the legal profession, and swore that he would have had Bayliss in jail for the rest of his natural life!
And here we are a lifetime later, retirement beckoning, striving for a single figure golf handicap, blissfully happy with my georgous wife (makes an old lad wish he was a bit younger!), sitting out the back surveying our 5 acres of peace and tranquility, wondering why I seem to enjoy recalling the horrors of Pendragon? Maybe it's because back then there was no one to share the memories/pain with, and this website has provided an opportunity to 'offload' with others who shared the experience. A healing process maybe, but the scars will last. I just hope that all the boys who endured Pendragon went on to enjoy life's opportunities as I have.
Regards
Chris

PENDRAGON SCHOOL

posted by Howard WHITE-1962/64 on 13 Mar 2008 at 7:56 am

I read with interest the above comments-certainly good and bad times had by all.Anyone with a school photo 1962-64-i would be most interested to see on website like 1958 school photo-thank you.
The names come back-head boy Catterall-pussy to junior boys.Winchester housemaster Mr Bain,Rugby Major Barker Bennett,Harrow Mr Hale-
remember Flt Lt Rowland and Mr Bingham Towner.
I recall winter closure 1963-days playing jerries and english in breaktimes-and walks to seventeen archers railway viaduct during playground resurfacing work-and finally along came Mr Macdonald-beginning of end-bring on Will Hay

Pendragon 1958 Photo

posted by Mark Maxwell on 13 Mar 2008 at 8:48 pm

Wow! What a surprise to find so many memories and that photo now 50 years old!. Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences during this period. And to find that so many others had such a horrible time there too. Please note that the lady in the photo is not Baylis' wife (at least as far as we knew back then!!) It is actually my mother Joan Willis (at the time) who was the matron. Both my brother Chris (10 from the left of the picture front row) and myself (4th from the right front row)and a year older than Chris went through many of the same tribulations!My mother made another awful mistake (as well as working for Baylis) during this time and married the Pendragon math teacher Clive Maxwell, then moved to Eastbourne after she found she couldn't stand what Bayliss was doing to the students there. She repaired a lot of skin after canings including mine!She always regretted that she couldn't do more to prevent his sadistic treatment of the students. She died a few years ago.
We moved to the States in the mid 60's and I have done well in this country as a chef. Chris is now teaching leadership at an Ivy League university on the east coast.Mark Maxwell (formerly Willis)

Wadi Is That You?

posted by Bola Ejiwunmi on 26 Apr 2008 at 12:26 pm

Hi Wadi,

I am not an alumni of Pendragon, but am an old friend from way back then - remember the Awads, Homa and London. Please, please , if you are still alive get in touch. Would love to catch up on all these years. You'd be amazed.

Pendragon School

posted by Graham Tubbs on 27 Apr 2008 at 12:00 pm

Hi everyone, does anyone remember me? I was at Pendragon school in the mid 60's. Anyone remember Victor Farrant, Stuart Urkuct and Charlie Snetter?

Graham

Pendragon School On Facebook?

posted by David Gordon on 02 May 2008 at 11:47 am

Hi all,

Great to see so much interest. I previously could only track down my brother (Nicholas Campbell Gordon) and Vic Lupton (Torbet) who went there, and me of course! How about transferring this thread to Facebook so we can see if the rest of the world can contribute further! In the meantime I'm off to see if I can find any piccies etc.

Names, Names And More Names

posted by Barry Scowen on 16 May 2008 at 12:14 pm

Well its almost a year ago since I replied to Chris Poynter and did referr back for a day or two and just today I decided to look back and its nice to see so many victims of the Baylis way of education who still have memories ingrained in or on at least one part of their anatomy.Lets talk about names,the french teacher with the nice legs who never wore a slip so she was a delightful vision when she walked up the main staircase when the sun shone through the window that lads was Madam Thyme. The geog teacher who's room was at the top of the school was Mr Peacock,Prof Macintosh tauaght french so did (mannesrs maketh man) Major Morris.
I often wonder what happened to the teachers post 1963 as I am sure most would have been unemployable in most cases except for Mickey Bull who was a great guy,and reading through peoples memories he seems to be the only guy we all hold with certain affection we must also include Mrs Willis the matron what a lovley lady,she had a daughter who went to school in Bedford and I wrote to her and she soon fixed me, Corlette,and Heywood major up with pen friends,in fact I kept in touch but never met mine a year or two after leaving the Pen

Victor Farrant

posted by Barry Scowen on 28 May 2008 at 12:35 pm

Message for Graham Tubbs- or any other Pendragon inmate.
VICTOR FARRANT one of our more infamous boys Just Google Victor Farrant for the complete story.
Always thiught he was a deep character
Barry Scowen

Another Name From The Past

posted by Peter Wild on 08 Jun 2008 at 10:20 am

Good day all

I was of course at the same school as you all but looking through the messages the only guys I remember were Chris and Mark from USA. Iwas at the school,from about 1955 -57. I left with my family to Rhodesia - now Zimbabwe and still live there.

In late may 2008 I went through Bexhill for the first time since I left - I could not find the school a nd did find that it had moved. It was strange driving around the town and looking to see where the school used to be. A friend suggested that I look up the school on the net and here we are.

Reading of Paul Bayliss in later years it seems to me that he must have changed as he did not seem to have the cruel streak that so many of you refer to.

I remember playing football and cricket in Collointon woods and Athletics was on the beach. I would really like to hear from some of you particularly from Mark and Chris - I seem to remember that you origionally came from USA as you had American accents ! I have a schhol pictuture somewhere of all of us taken in '57.

Good luck to you all


Peter Wild

August 1964- July 1968

posted by Mark Sandeman on 02 Jul 2008 at 6:33 pm

Amazing to see names from Pendragon School 40 yrs ago! I arrived at Pendragon in the autumn 1964 term aged 14, and I first had to sleep in the dormitory block about 200yds down Hastings road, I can't remember the master's name who looked after us then, big man, no hair,could be Mr Hooper, my 1st dorm had Philip Vogel, Harrison,Davis,he had a really good Hitachi radio to listen after 'lights out'I was quit jealous! we use to get caught trying to go out in the evening in our 'civvy' gear to go down the chip shop, the older boys use to go to the pub in Bexhill old town, I still have the school photo of (I Think) summer 1967 taken on the play ground, I can recognise Neil Knight,Richard Gordon, Fellows,Adams (who had a fantastic Lambretta SX200) Murry, Victor Farrant, two Persian boys, can't remember their names at the moment,Charles Snetter who's dad was sombody important in Liberia,(a cool chap) into mod/soul music -Who remembers the mini brown traveller owned by the geography teacher,with the Australian town of Woolongong painted on the side in small lettering,-a great chap, always talked stories about his life and not a lot on lessons!, pocket money at the time for me was 3/- a week, you could get egg and chips for 1/9 at the Central Cafe Bexhill, we were always hungry! I use to go with Richard Gordon to the Witch Doctor Club in Hastings to hear cool soul sounds,(Sam and Dave etc)-Yes the school has been pulled down in the late 60's only the far side playground wall is still there,after tea,we use to sit in the playground and watch the girls at Charters Towers opposite, the head master at the time Iwas there was Mr McDonald, always wore a gown for lessons with chalk dust on it!, they were good times for me then, flower-power was in, we watched the Monkees on TV on saturday night,everything was fun at the time, shame' the school went bust in the end

Soccer Team 1961

posted by Chris Poynter on 05 Jul 2008 at 5:21 am

Hi everyone,
I have posted a picture of the Pendragon 1st eleven soccer team 1961 on the Friends Reunited website. You'll find it under my profile and under Pendragon school. Boys in the picture are: Willis major, Lawson, Toomanian, Nasseri, Kitchingham, Hadyn, Sweet, Hodson, Shorey, Rogers, Poynter, Ramsay, and Shepherd.
Cheers,
Chris

Pendragon 1st Eleven 1961

posted by Chris Poynter on 06 Jul 2008 at 1:35 am

Hi everyone,
Ive posted a picture of the 1961 soccer team on the Friends Reunited website that you maybe interested in. Team comprised Willis major, lawson, Toomanian, Nasseri, Kitchingman, Hadyn, Sweet, Hodson, Shorey, Rogers, myself, Ramsay, and Shepherd.
http://www.friendsreunited.co.uk/signedin/SchoolGroup.aspx?isStudents=1&type=IS&school_key=379069 is the link.
Friends Reunited is now free, so get on and check it out. Lots of old boys on there.
Cheers
Chris

Boarder 1964-1968 Message 2

posted by Mark Sandeman on 08 Jul 2008 at 3:04 pm

I have just been looking through the latest messages today, Graham Tubbs rings a bell from the mid 60's, could you be the guy who had an big Vox amplifier that he kept secretly in the main school dorm' wardrobe and we played (or tried) music from a Philips record player at night time,..and who was the guy who invited a few of us to his parents home in Rye area for a party, I believe they owned a childrens home. does any one remember the 3 Knight brothers, their parents owned a farm in Essex, ..Tiptree?
My previous message on this site said Adams had a Lambretta SX200, this I think was a mistake, I think now it was Bailey, he wore glasses, and lived Rye/Winchlesea way.
I hope to read more memories from old friends from this period, bye!

Pendragon School

posted by Graham Tubbs on 09 Jul 2008 at 9:54 pm

hi mark,i remember you and chris aylwin,neil knight,and the parties at my dads house!where are you living now?i am living in hythe kent it would nice see you again one day . regards graham

Pendragon School 1957-59

posted by Malcolm Cook on 11 Jul 2008 at 8:05 am

Hi All
I put the WebShots photo on the site in 2003 in the hope it may bring some response. Reading the above replies has certainly revived some memories for myself which were completely lost in the fog of time.
Paul Baylis was my music teacher in Hastings long before he became a master at Pendragon. It was he who invited my parents to send me to the school. This was long before I knew of his "personal preferences" - although, having said that, Pendragon taught me to "keep my head down"; so much so that many of the old boys and masters probably didn't even realise I was there.
In some respects I was lucky to be a "day boy" and did not suffer the same experiences as the "boarders".
Never being particularly bright academically the school gave me a good start when I returned to state school in the local Grammar.
I am pictured 6th from the right in the back row and whilst I recall many of the faces the names are long gone.
The school was originally based in an old house on the corner of Cantelupe Road and Dorset Road (nearer the sea). There were a couple of "sheds" in the back garden which were used as classrooms. I recall boxing in the basement (hated that!) and am. dram. in the rear "shed" where Cable loved to give me acting parts I also hated (usually the girl lead).
Other recollections are the school "playing fields" next to the sea near Galley Hill where there are now a number of blocks of flats. I still have some cine film of one of the sports days somewhere. Probably 1959. Any sports or swimming (IN THE SEA!!) started with a run (in sports gear) through, what I always remember, the coldest of rain storms. Afterwards we were given cold "showers" - sitting in a bath having (not too warm) water poured over our heads.
I was in the school choir which supported the small church off De La Warr Road Bexhill. Mr Cable usually played the organ but I also recall (as someone above) that one of the boys (I believe he was also head choir boy) took over the playing. The choir was just naother escape from school. GOD knows none of us could sing - if He ever heard us. Again, the school probably resulted in me being a fully paid up agnostic.
If you remember a little runt (now 14 stone!) who's father paid the fees with produce from his business - my nickname was "Spud" - that was me.
Taking early retirement 10 years ago I now keep busy at the local flying school at Lydd in Kent but still live in Hastings and shop in Bexhill. Regularly passing the old school site there were SOME good memories.

PD Memories

posted by WADI WILLIAMS on 12 Jul 2008 at 10:05 pm

Hi Dragons,
Having read through this I am not a little stunned, infact almost overwhelmed by the cascade of memories which came floding back
I was in PD 63-66 While McDonald was The Headmaster I was briefly a prefect. I recall Charles Snetter, as part of the 'African Contingent' I also recall Nabil and of course the ACF etc
Now,here is a thing I eventually married an EX-CTS Pupil 'Hoda Awad' and I am still insanely in Love with her after all these years.
Oh! I was asked to leave when McDonald in his now memorable phrase said 'Williams there can only be one Headmaster and You are leaving'

Yes Bola It's Moi

posted by WADI-WILLIAMS on 12 Jul 2008 at 11:02 pm

Hi!
Bola,Bola, it seems like several lifetimes ago when we roamed the streets of London(Smile). And how about this for a fortuitous coincidence, I was in london a few weeks ago visting Demola, a friend and in conversation someone(I think his name was Sonny he claimed to be your cousin) mentioned you,and said that you were involved in medical research in Germany. I gave him my card and asked him to pass my details on to you and Bomi, I of course left it at that.... Imagine my astonishment when on one of my all too infrequent visit to the Pen Dragon site I stumbled across your message!!!
Re Homa, she is a Banker in paris, Hoda Awad is something of an Icon for Saudi Women, She was the first Female to own and manage a construction & Interior Design company in Saudi.
I am not sure whether you are aware that Hoda and I got married and were divorced.... And here is the Rub, We are in the process of getting married for the second time possibly in 2009!!!
Bola 'Drop everything you are doing and get in touch' Tel:07864849888
E/mail Add:wadwilliams@btinternet.com
Please note the email address is wadwilliams. hope to hear from you soon and if possible sooner.

Best Days Of Your Life (not)

posted by martin piper on 17 Jul 2008 at 4:36 pm

After stumbling across this thread when i was googling Bexhill-on-sea, i was in equal parts amazed/astounded at headmaster Baylis' reign of terror. How on earth did he get away with such extreme sadism? I went to a pretty rough secondary modern in the early 70s and there was a liberal amount of corporal punishment (slipper and cane) but nothing too excessive - but 25 strokes in front of the school for swearing is truly beyond belief. Why was he not reported to the educational authorities, surely one of the other teachers must have had enough common humanity in them to realise that his actions were of someone who was totally out of control or possibly mentally ill. Plastic skin! what the hell was that all about. As they say, 'fact is stranger than fiction' - and from the comments i've read on here, it seems you spent your schooldays in a horror story with a real monster for a headmaster. Thank goodness he didn't trust the NHS!

martin piper pipermg@aol.com

Paul Smurthwaite

posted by Sheila smith on 22 Jul 2008 at 12:26 pm

I am still in shock reading the messages on Pendragon. My son Paul Smurthwaite went there about 1963.....I did not know until now how bad it was. If only those who were teachers there then & who were responsible for such cruelty could B punished...I suppose most R dead...maybe their descendants might like to know...
My son suffers to this day & so do I in consequence...
Please write to me anyone who sees this message & knew Pendragon School as it was then....PLEASE CONTACT
sheilajsATgmail.com (replace AT with @)

Sincerely
Sheila

Photos On Friends Reunited

posted by Chris Poynter on 22 Jul 2008 at 1:54 pm

G'day to all,
Just a note to advise that Friends Reunited is now free, and that there are many Pendragon old boys registered there. I have started a bit of a project to put names to all the faces on the 1958 school photo. Try this link http://www.friendsreunited.co.uk and then search on Pendragon School and check out the pictures. There are also a couple of pictures there from around '60 '61.
I trust everyone is well? no more nightmares from the '50s and '60s?
Cheers
Chris

TO WADI WILLIAMS

posted by Sheila smith on 03 Aug 2008 at 11:40 am

U may have known my son Paul Snurthwaite who was also at Pendragon boarding school from about
1963 to 65ish...It has only just become known to me what a horror that place was...I am shocked (see my previous letter). I am Paul's mum. I want it to B known what went on there even tho' U may think its no good after all this time.Judging by all the letters on this message board the 'boys' R still suffering after all these years...Please reply to me
sheilajs@gmail.com & tell me what yr experiences were & what U think about what I am trying to do....Paul is still suffering & hardly ever sees me...
PLEASE REPLY>
sincerely
sheila smith

SCHOOL PHOTO 1992/64

posted by HOWARD WHITE on 06 Aug 2008 at 1:40 pm

HELLO CLASSMATES---

NO LUCK YET-IM STILL INTERESTED IN SEEING A SCHOOL PHOTO TAKEN 1962/64-ONE WAS TAKEN
IF ANYONE HAS A COPY PLEASE PUT ON FRIENDS REUNIT.CO.UK- SEE 22.7.8 FOR FULL DETAILS

THANK YOU-

PAUL SMURTHWAITE'S MOTHER

posted by sheila smith on 06 Aug 2008 at 7:26 pm

Recent info' from Bexhill library re Pendragon school & its head master Paul Baylis...
His funeral ...the obituary gave him a glowing report...!!! a lot of people went to his funeral ....didn't they know what he was really like!!!???
I guess not...is it too late to tell them?? OK I am not crazy just mad that such a person should have got away with such cruelty AND been considered worthy of a "GLOWING OBITUARY"...
grrrrrr

Paul Baylis Obituary

posted by Sheila smith on 07 Aug 2008 at 10:05 am

U might all B interested to know that I have rec'd a message from the Bexhill library in reply to my enquiries into Pendragon & he informed me that he has copies of Paul Baylis obituary which he is going to send me.
He said the obituary gave P BAYLIS
'a glowing report' !!!! & went on to say that there were many people attending the funeral(or remembrance)
Hard to believe that such a cruel man should have had such a send off...I know how I'd like to have sent him off!!
I am still hoping for more info on school...
welcome to anyone who will contact me who may (or may not) have known my
son Paul Smurthwaite. Please write to me if U see this,
thank U.
sheila

Victor Farrant

posted by Katie on 15 Aug 2008 at 7:04 am

Hi there

Is the Victor Farrant that you refer to in this thread the actual Victor Farrant?

If so, it would be really helpful if you could let me know. I realise this may seem a little odd but I am interested in finding out more about him. My family was involved in a tragedy due to a man called victor Farrant and so i have been searching on his name nad this forum came up.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Victor Farrant

posted by Barry Scowen on 18 Aug 2008 at 12:22 pm

Whilst channel hopping on TV one evening I caught the final 10 . 15 mins of a programme in which his crimes were being discussed,what lends me to belive that he is the one which attended Pendragon was the statement that he was a difficult child and was sent to boarding school in Sussex

PENDRAGON SCHOOL BEXHILL

posted by Sheila Smith on 30 Aug 2008 at 11:20 pm

I have been looking in on the Pendragon School in Bexhill 1960 time.
It has all shocked me to see such cruelty that went on there....I have been in touch with one or two of the old boys who were there then...just wondered if anyone at yr school knew any of the boys who were there then....dont know how near yr school was to Pendragon but if it wasn't too far away then maybe U knew of the boys there then?.
Pendragon was a boys boarding school.
I would B pleased to hear from anyone who knew the school or any of the boys there then or knew ANYTHING about the school.

sheila

Mark & Chris Willis (now Maxwell)

posted by Mark Maxwell on 18 Sept 2008 at 2:06 am

FYI. We were actually raised in Yorkshire (not USA) and moved to Pendragon when my mother accepted the matron position. We moved to the USA in 66. I remember clearly the old school about a block from the beach and the early morning swims in the English Channel and the forced long distance runs along the beach. Also remember the air gun shooting practices in the shed in the back, getting caught pillow fighting early one morning in the dorm with Northover, I think, and the resulting caning. Getting caught passing food under the table - and getting caned in front of the school. Talking after lights out - and getting a caning! One didn't argue with authority in those days, after all we were only 8 or 9. Does anyone remember Clive Maxwell the teacher? He had been to Winchester "Manners Makyth Man" (and had been 'sent down' from Oxford for gambling we found out later). Barker Bennet and his French wife, both dressed in baggy corduroys and both had black berets (and moustaches!) and empty bottles of beer lined up on their dresser in their room.Dove was a pleasant teacher but don't remember much else. An interesting thread!The period is better seen through the glasses of time!

Pendragon

posted by Dave Tompkins on 23 Sept 2008 at 8:49 am

I was just googling through some old schools that I used to go to when I lived in UK, and saw Wadi-Williams name when I came up with Pendragon. I went to the school from around '63 to '66. I was a day pupil (thank God). I Remember you Wadi and your brother Wari, Charlie Snetter, Tony Burleigh, Howard Cross, Tony Logan, Kim Goodrich, Nabil Saloum and you Shaun Allen. I joined the ACF, and was looking at some old photos of the guys in cadets. Hiding somewhere in that baggy uniform was me. I left in '66 to join the Army (Royal Engineers) having made a miserable attempt at GCEs. Shaun, you'd left the year before and joined the Royal Ulster Rifles was it? And then Tony Burleigh left and joined the Royal Green Jackets. Howard Cross went to Sandhurst. Shaun, you may remember meeting up with me and Howard in Tobruk whilst on exercise. Old Man McDonald was the Head, Hooper (or Hopper?) the Deputy. Madame Thynne was the French teacher, and Mr Sterry. Mr Bull taught Histoy? I left the Army in '71 and moved to Australia and eventually enlisted in the Air Force. Retired in 2004.
And for Mark Sandeman; yep, I remember the Geography teacher with the mini estate with Wollongong written on the side - though can't remember his name. Nice guy though.
If anyone remembers me, please say G'day

Memories..

posted by Chris Rice on 13 Nov 2008 at 2:41 pm

I went to Pendragon when Mcdonald was the headmaster......I remember some of the names above......Grassick, Goodrich(Nick?)pluse some others...the Barnett bros, Peter Gowlrey, the Ewens bros, Chalmers, Wallis, Tudor Morgan(he may have been at another school)Lambe(african dude)the Splod and Grommit pair....can't remember their names, Karl Finn, and the cricket mad kid from the West Indies(name gone)

Mrs Piper was the Bursar(cracking bit of kit)and Mrs Izzard was one of the teachers(wonderful woman)

The Geography teacher(can't remember his name, Fellowes?)is always in my head

'Widnes, Warring and Runcorn' was his mantra..and it stuck.

Memory is a contrary thing no?

Be lucky out there people

Nicholas Gordon

posted by David on 23 Dec 2008 at 7:37 pm

My brother Nick passed away on 22nd Dec 2008. If a Pendragon Alumni exists or is started, please could someone make a note. He was at the school in the early 1960s.

PENDRAGON

posted by MICHAEL FELLOWES on 08 Jan 2009 at 1:09 pm

its really strange reading about the old school i was there between 1956-1965.true there arn't many good memories,does anyone remember when i got birched for being in the kitchen at night eating crusts of bread because i was hungry.one of many beatings i had from mr baylis.

The Late Nick Gordon

posted by BarryScowen on 14 Jan 2009 at 11:06 am

Dear David,
So sorry to hear about your brother he and |I started at Pendragon the same term in 1960 always remember him with his little grey patch of hair.

A sad loss for you and the family
Barry Scowen

Brings Back Memories!

posted by Steve Clark on 03 Feb 2009 at 11:15 am

As most have said, not many of them good. I was at the Pen from 1958 to 1961; Chris Poynter, Barry Scowen, Michael Fellows are among names I recognise here. Have also been in touch with John Wrelton (met him a few times), Bryan Graves, Niel Innes and Gary Coffey(briefly).

What really amazes me is the ghosts we all seem to need to lay even after all these years. Horrid food, beatings, cross-country running in weather you wouldn't turn a dog out in. Not happy days at all really!

Oh well at least some us seem to have survived and "he" didn't!

Steve Clark

School Photo 1966

posted by Garry Smith on 09 Feb 2009 at 4:58 pm

TAKE ME BACK!!!! now what a suprise to find this site, for years I have tried to find if there was other inmates from Pendragon, it meant that I went into the loft and dug out old the school photo and on the back are signitures what memories. Like of the school pool ( so called ) with no heating (it made us men then, and the carpentry room next to it. Then there was the time I and others was cought apple nicking and being taken back to Mac Donald by the police.It was the first Boarding school and was not the last as I have only just found out the reason for leaving, closure, that meant a change to St Johns in Horsham not much better. I will post the photo on Friends Reunited any one who wishes a copy can email me

I Was At Charters Towers-opp Pendragon!

posted by Gill Ward-Jackson on 22 Apr 2009 at 9:25 pm

I have just read with interest all about Pendragon School. I was at Charters Towers (opposite) from 1957 - 1964, and was friendly with a boy at Pendragon called Paul Collette. Does anyone remember him? I got into loads of trouble when our headmistress opened a letter he wrote me!! We used to meet over at the art rooms which were next to Pendragon. Good days! Certainly made school life more fun!

Pendragon - Charters Towers

posted by Chris Poynter on 26 Apr 2009 at 12:48 pm

Hi Gill,

Earlier this year I was exchanging messages on Friends Reunited with Wendy Stacy, a former pupil at Charters Towers, discussing some of the 'goings on' between the 2 schools.

Have you checked out Friends Reunited?
http://www.friendsreunited.co.uk

Regards
Chris

Pendragon-charters Towers

posted by mike fellowes on 08 May 2009 at 4:05 pm

hi gill.

i was at pendragon 1956-1966.remember paul,we often got messages to the girls when on our way to church sunday mornings,also met in your schools playing fields.the brave ones used to sneak out of school at night and go down town to the arcade,i was one of them.the other way we got messages to you was from the windows using large letters.those were the days.

Charters Towers Girls

posted by Barry Scowen on 11 Jun 2009 at 10:44 am

Reading Gills memories-How things changed between the two schools after Baylis kicked the bucket-Hooray!In the years I attended the only get together was a dance arranged by Baylis,selected boys of a certain age attended this dance at Chaters Towers,I struck up a friendship with a girl named Teffy Dowdell we kept in contact after we both finished school,Does Gill or any Charters girls know what happened to Teffy.Magda Richardson also tried to track her down.My best memories is that Charters girls out shone all the other girls especially the Green Girls from Ancaster,they just did'nt poor souls get enough beauty sleep.
PS Fellows 10 years at Pendragon you need a Medal.
Paul Collette Where are you now still getting into trouble no doubt
Regards to all
Barry Scowen

Charters Towers /Pendragon

posted by Bridget Brown on 25 Jun 2009 at 7:03 pm

I was at CTS and remember a lovely boy called Nader Saebi in 1965 - we used to meet in Bexhill on Saturdays!

Does anyone know what happened to him?

I Was There In The EARLY SIXTIES

posted by Nigel Crosse on 08 Sept 2009 at 6:40 pm

Wadi ?I remember you and your brother Warrimer well? Recall your dad sent you booth gleaming new red bikes, we were all very jealous. Whatever happened to Charles Taylor from Liberia, think your family was from Sierra Leone?
For those that remember Bayliss and the writer below, you obviously but some bad medicine on him as he did indeed die a very slow painful death from stomach cancer, I recall having to sit next to him at dinner and he was eating white fish cooked in milk, he looked at me in that cruel way of his and said ?yes Crosse it?s a fish? remember thinking then he was on his way out, he went to Switzerland for a miracle cure but died soon after. The man was a sadistic evil bastard and deserved all he got; Dove was a sicko too as were many of the other so called teachers. School was then taken over by a Dr McDonald and his scrimping wife, he was alright but had no idea what education was and when no one passed a single O level my parents pulled me and my brother out, just in time.

I have few memories of the place that were good but fortunately we had some good friends and we were in the latter years allowed to go a bit wild and the school picture I have has a number of people I know are now serving sentences at her majesties pleasure. Vic. Farrant in particular.

Remember liberating a radio from a local retailer with either Warrimer or Wadi and there wasn?t a lock that could keep us out of the tuck shop in the middle of the night. I can still walk every inch of that place in my mind, and the time there would appear farfetched in a Dickens novel.
Having done some research on small private schools of the time the country was rife with schools like Pendragon where most of the parents were abroad and did not keep close to what was going on. Abuse of every kind was prevalent and I doubt if we talked about it to people today they would believe half of what went on, I remember the public floggings in the assembly hall where the unfortunate victim was held down by two prefects then caned senseless by Bayliss, Dove preferred the plimsoll as it left less marks on the body, then there was a deviant called Mr Turner (Gerald?) who would prowl the dormitories at night looking for young boys still awake.

Memories

posted by Chris RIce on 11 Sept 2009 at 1:13 pm

"and there wasn?t a lock that could keep us out of the tuck shop in the middle of the night. I can still walk every inch of that place in my mind"


damn, that comes back to me like a shot, who are the striped-suntan contigent then?

Freezer

posted by graham tubbs on 16 Sept 2009 at 10:39 am

Do you guy's remember free ice cream in the middle of the night?and the school band i think thay were called the night riders.

Faded Memories

posted by Ulrich L. McKenzie on 25 Sept 2009 at 6:33 pm

Wow, I had not heard many of these names for a long time. I seem to remember getting to ride Wari's new red bike, dropping the front wheel into a drain grate, and hoping he wouldn't notice the slight wobble when I returned it! If anyone remembers movie night, you might also remember that I refused to operate the projector once because the "nice" geography teacher referred to me as "an ignorant African Cave man!"

After Pendragon, my brother and I went on to Sandon House School, which was not much better!

Faded Memories

posted by Ulrich L. McKenzie on 28 Sept 2009 at 1:23 pm

Wow, I had not heard many of these names for a long time. I seem to remember getting to ride Wari's new red bike, dropping the front wheel into a drain grate, and hoping he wouldn't notice the slight wobble when I returned it! If anyone remembers movie night, you might also remember that I refused to operate the projector once because the "nice" geography teacher referred to me as "an ignorant African Cave man!"

After Pendragon, my brother and I went on to Sandon House School, which was not much better!

Pendragon Memories

posted by Dorian Pyle on 22 Oct 2009 at 12:06 am

Amazing to find this post after a long time of searching for Pendragon School related topics to find that this has been continuing for some time!

I was at the school as a boarder from ?57 to ?65. Some of the ?inmates? names mentioned in this thread I remember, some not. I do remember Major Morris (who I think is not mentioned here), along with the Barker-Bennets ? both Indian Army commissions. They served for a fixed period, mainly as Captains, and were just over 6 months Majors at the end of their service to get a Major?s pension. I remember Maj. Morris? interesting stories of his time in India, and I once visited his house where he had several interesting artifacts of his time in India.

I also remember that Maj. Barker-Bennet had an Armstrong Siddeley car which had a preselector gear box with interesting leather belts. He opened it up one ?science? class. Nice car ? though no doubt long gone now. Mr. Baylis had a variety of cars ? I remember the Lea Francis. And it?s odd that I should remember the cars because I really am not a ?car person? at all.

Certainly I remember the various abuses ? but one that sticks in my mind particularly, and that isn?t mentioned here, is the lack of food. I remember being cold and hungry most of the time. I would go to school and lose weight, and make it up during the holidays only to lose weight again next term. All the men in my family are over 6 feet, including my brother, who did not attend Pendragon, and I turn out to be 5ft 9in ? and I am sure it was Pendragon fare that did it.

Dorian

posted by Nigel Crosse on 03 Nov 2009 at 7:54 pm

Not sure if I remember you, did your parents have a farm near canterbury?

Hi Everybody

posted by Gerald (Gerry) Savage on 13 Nov 2009 at 12:01 pm

Although Ihave been monitoring the Friends Reunited website for a few years, I have just stumbled across this one.
At 62, i only have another 3 years to go before I retire to the coast; which hopefully will be in the Mediteranian. Still overworked and over paid, but can't wait for retirement.
I share everybodies sentiments about that sadistic bastard Paul Baylis..He arsehole gave me 15 strokes for 'not going to church one morning'. If he had'nt died of illness, I'm sure somebody from the old Pendragon fraternity would have 'finished him off'.
Names I can remember are Sheik, Alan Lawson, Neil Innis, Barry Scowan, Alan Kent, Tomanian, Tom McKinny (was Head Boy), The two Conway brothers (Paul & ?), Ramsey, Coffee, et all.
Greetings to everyone,
Regards Gerry Savage

Another Name Remembered

posted by Gerry Savage on 15 Nov 2009 at 3:42 pm

Further to the message I posted on this page yesterday, I also remember Madvani whose family lived in Uganda at the time. I remember that they were in the sugar business...Are you still out there? Greetings once again, and my email address if anybody wants to make contact is:-
gerrysavageAThotmail.co.uk (replace AT with @)

Pendragon Memories

posted by lal sitlani on 12 Dec 2009 at 3:13 am

Hi everybody

Today I saw 1958 photo,and I was looking for me,but I dont recoganize me, I am sure I am sitting on the ground,One thing for sure I remember lots and lots of faces.Anybody know how i can find names to those faces.wondering how everybody is doing.

Bryan Graves

posted by Janet Graves on 13 Dec 2009 at 8:59 am

Bryan passed away very suddenly last week. His funeral is on Tuesday 22nd December at Hastings Crematorium at 1:15pm, and afterwards a celebration of his life will be at Sedlescombe Village Hall.

Anyone from the school who remembers him will be welcome.

Memories

posted by Tom McKinney on 16 Dec 2009 at 5:23 pm

I have just discovered this site and am amazed at the old memories and recognition of names. The ACF! The trip to France was to La Tranche sur mer. I remember the camping, eating horse meat, learning to drink anisette & trying to date the local police chief's daughter.

I remember a handy man driving Baylis to Europe for his treatment.

Also, a very talented organist who was a protege of Baylis.

Madavarni! I seem to recollect running a small business with him on the side.

What a place. Dorms that froze in the winter, smelled of parafin in an attempt to remove the chill before bedtime. Baths twice a week and only having the water changed after every third person. Moving the top sheet to the bottom as we only got one clean sheet a week (or was it every 2?) A female cook that smoked when she cooked & occaisionally dropped a butt into the rolly-polly. Making jam sandwhiches for the morning tea (one half each cut diagonally). Sunday tea whith some awful dry fruit cake. Fried sausage & fried bread!

Thank God for tuck parcels from home & the tuck shop.

I joined the group at Friends United so I will look for some postings there or anyone that wants to contact me. I moved back to Canada in 67 & am still there waiting to retire.

Hi to all

Brian Graves

posted by Chris Poynter on 18 Dec 2009 at 10:30 am

I'm sorry for your loss Janet.
I remember Brian well from those days at Pendragon.

Regards
Chris Poynter

Pendragon School 1960

posted by Anthony Platts on 28 Dec 2009 at 11:21 am

HI All
I do not know if some of you remember me ,i know Shaun Allen and Colin Grassick ,but my memories of the school are a bit sketchy .I rememeber the ACF square bashing ! Mr Bull and football >Mr Baylis was abit of tyrant some public cannings !
I am now in Haywards Heath been there since 1977.From Pendragon went to Brickwall School in Northiam .
Rememeber cylcing to school from St leonards
LOok forward to hearing from others

Anthony Platts
07885096 921

Pendragon Sch Memories

posted by Anthony Platts on 28 Dec 2009 at 1:31 pm

MY memeories are somewhat sketchy.But does anyone remeber me from the days of the early sixties.I like Shaun used to travel over from Hastings.My memory was squarebashing with Mike Bull and football ( not very good)
I am now in Haywards Heath although my mother is still in St Leonards.
Look forward to hearing from any one
01444 453529 or 07885096 921

Just Catching Up After Months Away

posted by Barry Scowen on 28 Dec 2009 at 8:40 pm

First and foremost I am sorry to hear of Brian Graves passing,i can still see his flame red hair and was it a cheeky grin? I think so.
Tom McKinney I think you will find a picture on friends reunited ( the uk version) supplied by Niel Innes of you me Ramsey Lee the Conway bros Davies & Trotter allon a station Platform off for half term if I remember correctly.
Best Wishes for 2010 to you all
Barry Scowen

Pendragon Sch Former Pupils

posted by Anthony Platts on 30 Dec 2009 at 9:17 am

Happy New Year to you all
Is there a get together ever arranged ?
Anthony

Pendragon

posted by Michael Allen-Williams on 01 Jan 2010 at 11:43 am

Does anyone know what happened to Robert Hartley. I have been trying to trace him for years. He was knpwn as "Bob" and by a few of us as "Peke" after my mother's pekinese.
Was devastated to hear of the death of Bryan Graves who was probably my 'best friend' in those days.
Greetings to any who remember me, my mother was school secretary for several years, whoch didn't save me from Baylis and a riding crop.

MICHAEL ALLEN-WILLIAMS

posted by BARRY NYE on 06 Jan 2010 at 5:21 pm

Yes... I remember BOB HARTLEY - he was in the same class as myself and you, Michael. I remember you well but I bet you've forgotten me, as I was only at the dreaded PENDRAGON for one year!! I now live in Brighton. Call me or e-mail me anytime. My MOB is: 07810282623

The Friends Reunited Noticeboard

posted by Gerry Savage on 07 Mar 2010 at 9:22 pm

I can remember a few years ago being able to access Pendragon School on the Friends Reunited website and read through the 'Notice Board' and view all the old photographs posted; but I cannot seem to be able to find it now! Can anyone out there help me to navigate back to it; if it is all still there. My email address is gerrysavageAThotmail.co.uk (replace AT with @)

Greetings to all

Re: The Friends Reunited Noticeboard

posted by Chris Poynter on 10 Mar 2010 at 7:40 am

G'day Gerry,

Try cutting and pasting this into your browser.

http://www.friendsreunited.co.uk/SignedIn/SchoolGroup.aspx?school_key=379069&isstudents=1&type=IS

Cheers
Chris

We Were The Nightraiders

posted by John Martin on 17 Mar 2010 at 12:31 am

Well done Graham for remembering the school band - myself playing guitar, Mike Murray on base, Gordon on drums and Charles Snetter our lead singer and also guitarist. Our signature number was Pretty Flamingo and I have happy memories of playing at Ancaster House summer fete and for a party of Swedish students staying in Bexhill. I have tracked down Mike but not Gordon and my hunch is that Charles is running the Liberian Broadcasting Corporation - the photos of him on their website look remarkably like our maestro from Pendragon , albeit a little greyer around the edges, but I have not yet made contact. I may yet do so with the aim of reforming the band for a one off concert at the De La Warr Pavilion to raise money for a memorial to those who passed through Pendragon. We might have to settle for a busk on the beach in front of our old sports ground. I have played a bit since and have mastered at least three new chords. Would you all come and support us? Regards to all ex Pendragoners and CTS girls who kept us going.

Bryan Graves

posted by Steve Clark on 23 Mar 2010 at 10:04 am

I have just seen the entry here regarding Bryan's death. Bryan was one of the great characters of the school in my day (wasn't he head-boy around 1961ish?) and was a close friend after we left at Hastings Tech. I was very sorry to hear of his passing; the world can ill-afford to lose people like Bryan.

Belated condolences to his family.

Steve

Pre Bayliss Pendragon.

posted by Robert Turner on 28 Mar 2010 at 12:53 pm

Is there anyone out there that was pre Bayliss Pendragon. I was second boy over the threshold when school was opened by Alec Everett who had been teaching at Harewood School and who was financed by Mrs Richardson who later became his wife. There were I seem to remember 23 boys when the school opened in about 1953. Everett was headmaster and he had just a few staff one of which was Eddie Edmunds. Mrs Edmunds did the cooking and good cooking it was but for the Herrings ! We were all day boys - no boarders at that time. Alec Everett went onto own and run Shiplake Court School on the Thames and must have sold out to Mr Bayliss who I think had come to Pendragon as a teacher shortly before I left to up to Bexhill Grammar School. My older brother Alan was also at Pendragon and had followed Everett from Harewood where I think pupils had suffered similar treatment to that which I now read Bayliss handed out later at Pendragon !

Pen 1959- 1964

posted by Raymond KItchingman on 31 Mar 2010 at 11:09 pm

Remenber loads from living there for four years. Yes Poynter was a prefect,Catteral, Warburbton, Rodgers became head boy when I was there. My best friends were Nasiri(boarder) Ramsay and Hodgson (day boys) Remeber loads of the names mentioned above. Teachers, Dove had a pickled fish under his bed, listened to records in his bedroom, yes slipper was his thing. Fisher, Nye yes I remember you. Baines no one has mentioned ? Ball a great guy, McIntosh Latin on Saturday morning while I was wired up to Saturday morning pop favourites on my transister. Too many memories here, will try to filter my memories and return. Bayliss beat me twelve of the best, held down by prefects in his office for betting Fisher (boarder) that he would not call the fire brigade. he did, anybody remember it? Glad to hear from anyone who remembers me. yes I new Bob Hartley, Nye, Potter who I met one day on Cannon street station in the city and was too rushed to set up any further contact, Innes,Sitlani,Coways Bros and Savage all in my time there.

Thank You Chris Poynter

posted by Gerry Savage on 04 Apr 2010 at 7:24 pm

Hi Chris & G.Day

Very many thanks for the link to the Friends Reunited website..The link worked and all the past history and photographs are all still there.
Hope life is treating you fair.
This webpage is getting quite big; so is there anyone out there with the time on their hands to organise a re-union???
Greetings to all

Ray Kitchingham Memories

posted by Barry Scowen on 12 Apr 2010 at 11:12 pm

Hello Ray,
You often cross my mind when I flick through my collection of old 45 singles we swapped a few at school those I have have your sisters name written on them good move on your behalf.
Regards Barry Scowen

GET IN CONTACT

posted by BARRY NYE on 02 Jul 2010 at 5:35 pm

Hi Everyone. Anyone who remembers me - I was only at Pendragon a year, then please call/text/or e-mail me:

0781 0282623

BarrykingstonAThotmail.co.uk (replace AT with @)

Hope to hear from someone soon

Yes I Knew You

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 06 Sept 2010 at 11:31 pm

You wanted to be a D J , did you do it?

DJ No! More Like JCB

posted by Barry Scowen on 25 Sept 2010 at 4:44 pm

Hello Ray nice to receive a reply,
No DJ-ing Started work in the construction industry ended up as Plant Manager for a well known construction company,depending where you live our company probably made your journey to work a lot easier after months of daily havoc.
Kind Regards
Barry

Blast From The Past

posted by Paul Willis on 28 Sept 2010 at 12:09 pm

G'day to Barry Scowen and Chris Poynter 'SLIM' here..the guy sitting between Conway and Warburton in the Oct 1961 photo.Glad to hear that you are both still upright.My 'experience'with Pendragon was 1958-1963 and still have your autographs!!Have been living in Tasmania,Ausralia since Oct 1969.Would love to hear from you and anyone else.Have you got any info on Clive Ramsey?

Hi Barry Scowen

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 28 Sept 2010 at 10:45 pm

Hey my sister wants her records back, as if. my last note referred to Barry Nye ref the D J bit, if you remember radio Caroline was going off and Nye always said he was going to be a D J. He was fanatical about it.

Hi Paul

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 28 Sept 2010 at 10:53 pm

Paul, I was there same time as you, Clive was a great friend of mine, his parents owned the cafe on the front opposite the Deleware Pavilion. Our great thing was chess, ping pong and football. have not mannaged to track him down yet though.Also a good friend of mine then was Hodgsen, day boy, and boarder Nassiri, any leeds on them?
Nice to hear from you, look forward to a response
Ray Kitch

G'day Paul

posted by Chris Poynter on 30 Sept 2010 at 3:21 pm

It seems you arrived in Oz 2 years after I did!
Check out the pictures on Friends Reunited, you'll find a picture of the Pendragon 1961 soccer team, yourself included, or I can send a copy to you by email.
chris.poynter45ATgmail.com if you want to catch up (replace AT with @).
Cheers
Chris

Clive Ramsey

posted by Barry Scowen on 01 Oct 2010 at 9:37 am

Hello Ray,
I don't know if its any help but Ramsey's parents sold the Continental resurant and moved to Siloth in Cumbria.He may be in that area However fron recent posts he's probably in Aus!

The Mystery Deepens

posted by Paul Willis on 01 Oct 2010 at 12:57 pm

Gee and i thought i knew Clive Ramsey well.Did he switch from a boarder to day boy.I was lead to believe he came from Falkirk in Scotland, so news that his parents ran the Continental is a revalation.I worked in London 1966-1969 and during that time he turned up to see me...dressed in army uniform.Was either Black Watch or Queens Own Scottish Borderers.Heard nothing since.

Group?

posted by Simon Allen on 03 Oct 2010 at 10:14 am

I do not know if there is one. There are few of us on Friends United and judging by the number of posts here, some old Pendragons

Simon

Re Clive Ramsey

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 09 Nov 2010 at 9:24 pm

Hi Paul, Clive was a boarder although his parents lived in Bexhill and owened the Continental Cafe opposite the Delaware Pavillion, he lived in Pendragon.
Has anyone heard from Bob Hartley yet, his parents were in catering as I remember.
Still looking for Nassiri from Persia/Iran and also Hodgeson day boy lived in Bexhill.
Simon all the posts here are Pendragons so would love to hear more of your time with us at the Pen, I remember you in my time there, look forward to any responses

Ray Kitch

Pendragon - 1959-60?

posted by Richard Charrington on 28 Dec 2010 at 12:21 pm

Don't know if anyone remembers me. Unfortunately my long term memory is shot and my memory of names was never much cop.

I remember the Barnetts (major, minor and minimus) only because they came home with me one holiday. I remember Pyle, forgotten his first name even though we were best friends.

I remember Baylis giving a boy a public flogging for eating on the train. The boy was so brave, just like in the films he refused to cry out. I remember Baylis would walk away several paces before running at the boy to deliver as powerful a strike as possible. I remember getting caned once by him (but it was probably more than once) as it was the day before my dad came down for a visit. I was so embarrassed I couldn't tell him, so had to suffer in silence as I sat on hard chairs at a cafe we went to.

I remember getting a new chef/cook, who took a while to get the portions right, and cooked mountains of chips on his first day - brill!

I remember the forced early morning runs and the cold showers on our return.

I remember having to part fill the bath with water as the pipes would freeze over night and we had to break the ice on the bath water to get water to wash in in the morning. We also had to fill buckets with water to flush the toilets.

We didn't have enough parafin heaters for every dorm, so sometimes we would have no heating.

As for Baines, who has been mentioned only in passing, I remember him blatantly, on the football field, taking my hand and placing it on his erection. He lost interest when I didn't do anything. Despite being married and his wife living with him at the school, I heard that he invited boys into their room to be part of their sexual play (no details were ever given so this may not be true - but given my experience, I believe it is).

I only endured 18 months or so, and I feel very sorry for those who were there for longer.

It wasn't until after I left that the boys started visiting the girls schools, so I missed out on that bit of excitement.

I have joined the Pendragon group on Friends Reunited, but it's not muh use as I just don't remember the names.

Richard Charrington

Pendragon School Group

posted by Richard Charrington on 28 Dec 2010 at 12:54 pm

Hi All

I have just created a group, Pendragon School, Bexhill-on-Sea, on facebook.

Feel free to join.

Richard

Happy Days!!!!

posted by Michael Frost on 29 Jan 2011 at 1:14 pm

It really is quite astounding, that so many Pendragon boys have made it to (late) middle age. Reading through earlier entries has brought back memories of just how bad things were; although, at the time, I suppose we thought it was the norm. Does anyone recall being beaten with a Gunn and Moore cricket bat, or was that experience reserved just for me?
When the school moved to Hastings Rd, I was in Tristam dormitory. I can remember Ramsey, Fitzpatrick, Nicklin but as there were eight beds and two bunks, who were the others?
I live in North Kent, growing old disgracefully, having retired from the legal/teaching professions. I would love to hear from anyone who was at Pendragon 1958-1962. Michael Frost
p.s.
Does anyone remember Matron? It did not matter why you went to see hear, it was always "Drop your trousers and cough". Strange treatment for an ingrowing toenail.

Other Memories

posted by Barry Scowen on 28 Feb 2011 at 12:13 pm

Hello!
After all the post's on this site no-one has mentioned the dreaded Kitchen Duty.I hated it,If I remember correctly Ganbrill and Kitchingman spent half their schhol life on duty,perhaps they where the only two that never complained of hunger.Would love to hear of your memories.
Barry

Hi Barry

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 02 Mar 2011 at 11:08 pm

Yes I surpose kitchen duty had its +and - but you did not go hungery and the cook of the time was a chain smoker and fed you a few cigs or more to smoke out the back.
Remember 6 am cross country runs ? Bayliss in charge of showers six at a time when you got back, I remember he switched the shower to cold so you got out fast when time was up.
Ramsey was a great friend of mine, chess and footy were our thing.
Bainnes has been mentioned several times, something suspect there I think, especially
following Charringtons comments on the football field ? any comments from anyone else?
Great to hear from everyone from 50yrs ago lets keep this going it does evoke memories from all that time ago

look forward to your responses

Ray Kitch

Those Were The Days.

posted by Mike Fellowes on 08 Mar 2011 at 7:36 am

hi. anyone out there remember sneaking out at night and going to a club in hastings,think it was called "the witchdoctor" and seeing bonzo dog and the doo da band.also vaguely remember visiting a pub in the old town on one or two occasions.lastly remember being confirmed while there,and had to be baptised first,and am sure my godparents were mates from school,would love to know who they were.
getting on now,and the old grey matter finds it hard to remember some things,but it does jog your memory when you read some of the above messages.keep up the good work and lets keep this site active.
mike fellowes.

Kitchen Duty

posted by Michael Frost on 20 Mar 2011 at 8:06 am

Whilst on Kitchen Duty, Bayliss told me to make him a cup of tea. After he had drunk it, he said it was too weak and that I had slopped some in the saucer. He instantly gave me 4 Black Marks; and we all know what 4 Black Marks meant, don't we?
Who remembers the odd 7am cross-country runs?
I think it was in January 1959, when it was so cold, that the sea between Bexhill and St. Leonards actually froze. I think that this was before the school moved to Hastings Rd.

Cross Country

posted by Michael Frost on 20 Mar 2011 at 8:20 am

Apologies to R. Kitchingham Esq. I missed your message of 2nd March. At least you remember the runs. I had forgotten about the deaded 'apres run' shower. Do you think that it was this regime, that helped us develop into a generation of manically depressed homicidal psychotics?

New School Photo Found

posted by Richard Charrington on 22 Mar 2011 at 1:43 pm

Hi there

Just found a school photo from 1962. As we can't upload photos here I have put it on the Facebook Group which you can find here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_175319699167753

Brother Was At Pendragon Bexhill On Sea

posted by Gillian Lupino Oliver on 29 Mar 2011 at 10:19 pm

I have a very old, and very large photo of pupils at this school about 1956, will look this out and post it on this site, maybe some of you out there will recognise yourselves.... unfortunatly my brother died 4 years ago. but as i live abroad, i will be able to get the photo when next in uk , quite soon....

Those Who Have Yet To Be Found

posted by Barry Scowen on 13 Apr 2011 at 9:53 pm

Paul Willis wishes to find the elusive Ramsey.Some people seem to find others by phone ,Last year I had a call from Wrelton Major hope to meet up next time he's in the Anglia region.
Often wonder what happened to the Persian boys when we hear of the troubles in Iran where is Nasiri Rashidi and the Tomanians not forgetting Lolagar?
If you dare you can find Ryder Rogers by Googling his name prefixed with Rev (of course) that may make you smile.
Is old Daisy still scratching? Sorry Easton if you view but don't join us.
I bumped into Dave Trotter a couple of times but lost contact any clue's anyone.
Regards to all
Barry

My Memoirs Of Pendragon

posted by John Sweet on 21 Apr 2011 at 9:04 pm

I was a day boy at Pendragon, from 59 to 63 or 4.
I missed some of the perverted experiences which took place with Baylis but remember that once I was to be caned in his office and had me strip and bend over, but he did not cane me.
I remember my closest friend Neil Innes, Adrian Haydon who was another day boy and many of the contributors above.
Mickey Bull wass our sports master and used to live opposite me in St Leonards, he used to ring my doorbell in the mornings about 8.10 and start running. I had to be out of the house and run after him to catch the bus on the sea front to get to Bexhill each day. Mickey took a liking to me and helped me to become one of the fastest runners in the school. I remember that I won a special sports tie after getting the Victor Laudrum

Professor Macintosh lived in St Leonards and taught Latin, French, scripture, Greek. He used to fiddle with the boys when he sat next to them correcting their work. This was more than likely condoned by Balyis.

Steven Porch was another pupil I remember, he went into acting and I saw him in a few TV programs.

I went to France the Mickey Bull, I did not realise that he had something going with the French teacher, she was a dish. We went to La Tranche sur Mer.

I also remember several severe beating of 24 lashes in front of the school, one was on Fisher, who had set light to the curtains and the other was on Spender who had let the school down somehow while on the train.

I remember Peacock trying to teach us chemistry with a Bunson burner and also selling bulls, or sheep's eyes to him which I got from the abattoir on the way to school.

I also remember the close interest Macintosh and Baylis had with the boys in the showers, and how the boys who had been caned showed us the cuts on the behind.

I am now living in South Africa and can be contacted on john@sweet.co.za

Memories

posted by Michael Frost on 22 Apr 2011 at 5:06 pm

What Ho John Sweet,
Do you remember the boxing match in the cloakroom? Mr.Dove made you box someone, whose name I forget, but I do remember that he was about a foot taller and a couple of stones heavier than you. After a few minutes you were oozing blood but you refused to give in. Dove was really worried about your condition and told all who were present not to say anything.
Almost every message posted on this site turns up another name that I remember. Any idea what happened to Clive Davies, Fitzpatrick(from British Somaliland), Joyce and Petherbridge?
Best wishes
Michael Frost

Davies & Fitzpatrick

posted by Barry Scowen on 27 Apr 2011 at 12:34 pm

Hi Micheal Frost,
I kept in touch with Clive Daviesfor a cuople of years,I stayed with him in London as I was attending interviews.I then returned the compliment and he came to Suffolk for a long weekend.At that time he was working in W.H.Smith in Fleet Street.
Fitzpatrick either became a down and out or a multi-millionaire,hope it was the latter as his parents whilst talking to my parents suggested that when in Somaliland Pendragon was THE place to send me.I,m chasing him for compensation!Ha Ha

John Martin

posted by Sally Collier on 23 May 2011 at 6:33 pm

Long time no news of John - do contact me with your news please,
xx

Bithday Bash

posted by GRAHAM TUBBS on 03 Jun 2011 at 10:49 pm

Party at the butt of sherry pub in hythe kent on the 2nd of july anyone who rememer's me.The big 60th party it's going to good night.

Dee-jaying!!

posted by BARRY NYE on 23 Jun 2011 at 5:46 pm

Hi Ray - only just seen your message. Yes, I did actually embark on a very successful career as a dee-jay for many years. I changed my name to BARRY KINGSTON for dee-jay purposes and it then made it easier having it as my new real name.
I worked at ballrooms, discotheques, nightclubs, and ice skating rinks as a dee-jay.
I worked a lot in the Brighton area initially, which was my home town, and still is.
Worked at the Orchid Balroom in Purley, and then did discos in the Camberley/Woking area for a number of years.
Never actually did any radio work except when the Radio One Roadshow came to a venue where I was resident dee-jay, and they always offered me a short spot on air then.
When I eventually packed up dee-jaying, I ran a Sauna/Health Club come small leisure complex in Rottingdean, near Brighton.
Worked for three years for the DSS after that, in Brighton, in their finance section before moving on to New Claims.
Following that I got heavily involved in the Security Industry, as a friend of mine started his own Security Company, initially selling and installing burglar alarms, and then we found there was more demand for uniformed guards.
I'm now retired and living in Kemp Town, Brighton. I was only at Pendragon for a year ( thankfully ) and managed to "escape" by persuading my Mother to send me to a day school in Brighton.

Some Good Photos

posted by mike fellowes on 27 Jun 2011 at 5:54 pm

hi all i have managed to get some photos from my mother of days at pendragon and need help in identifying them.i am in most of them but need help in the others.the photos are on friendsreunited under pendragon photos like to hear from you all mike fellowes

School Photos

posted by michael fellowes on 28 Jun 2011 at 6:10 am

hi all.i have recently found some old school photos,which have been posted on friends reunited,some have been tagged,but there are still a few that need to be identified.best wishes to all.

Reunion

posted by Gerry Savage on 08 Jul 2011 at 2:30 pm

I know that reunions have been muted quite a bit in the past; but how about it chaps..The time clock is ticking away.

Late January or early February 2012 should give everyone interested time to plan ahead.

Could be in London, Kent, Surrey or even Bexhill on Sea in Sussex!

My UK Mobile phone No is 07787 145562.

Very best wishes to everyone who was at Pendragon with me in the rocking 60's.

Gerald (Gerry) Savage

PENDRAGON REUNION

posted by BARRY NYE on 13 Jul 2011 at 5:26 pm

Yes... Grrrrreat idea - a reunion. Late January or February 2012 seems a good time. Location: I think it just HAS to be BEXHILL-ON-SEA surely ??!!!
My MOB is 07810282623

We need to get this organised and happening soon as none of us are getting any younger. I reckon all those of us who were there in around 1960 - 62 must be in our early sixties now, so let's make a BIG effort to get this off the ground as it is bound to be worth it. I'm all for it and would definitely make the effort to be there.
Maybe a restaurant ( or even a pub ) somewhere in Bexhill would be the best idea.
Anyone who really DOES remember me, please post a recognition or response although, as I've said before, was only at Pendragon for around ONE year, circa 1960

Reunion 2012

posted by Barry Scowen on 18 Jul 2011 at 7:48 pm

Sounds a good idea have not been back since I was driven to the station in the blue van?

MORE TEAM PHOTOS

posted by HOWARD WHITE on 21 Jul 2011 at 7:42 am

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SCHOOL PHOTO TAKEN 1963/64 100 PLUS BOYS ON FRIENDS UNITED


THANK YOU

School Photo

posted by Michael Frost on 17 Aug 2011 at 5:14 pm

I've got one of those long photos. Can any brainy sod out there tell me how to scan it and then make it available to all? I think it's 1959/60 vintage. It's the one where Maj.Barker-Bennett looks as if he has a case of terminal piles and his Lady-Wife as if she had just come from an audition for 'Waiting for Godot'.
Stop getting paranoid Mr. Nye. I remember you. In fact you are on this photo. I wonder if you've retained your boyish good looks, 'like wot I av'. Pip Pip

Long Photos

posted by Richard Charrington on 26 Aug 2011 at 7:39 pm

Michael Frost, I had one of those. I photocopied half at a time and stitched the two together digitally. See here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1796810832502&set=o.175319699167753&type=1&ref=nf

Incidentally, there is a Facebook fan page for Pendragon, so if anyone reading this is on Facebook, let me know your email address and I'll add you. If you're not on Facebook you can always join.

My email address is: richard(at)charrington.net

REUnion

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 06 Sept 2011 at 9:29 pm

Yes we should in Bexhill, school has gone but
it should be a good venue, I'm up for it lats make a date and a venue. Ray

PENDRAGON REUNION

posted by BARRY KINGSTON on 17 Sept 2011 at 2:32 pm

Perhaps we should decide a venue first - does anyone know of a good one these days or is anyone familiar with Bexhill today ?

Pendragon Re Union

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 19 Sept 2011 at 11:30 pm

Lets go for the Delawarr Pavilion,they do functions and there ain'nt much else. Want to book it ? I will if we can agree a date, 2012 but when ? Feed back if you are interested, loads of B/Bs for stay overs so lets make a date

PENDRAGON REUNION 2012

posted by BARRY KINGSTON on 08 Oct 2011 at 7:13 pm

Ray - I think perhaps the De La Warr Pavilion is being a bit too ambitious and also the hire cost would be prohibitive!! I predict we would need a smaller venue than that and perhaps we could find something on the Internet - say a Pub in the Town Centre with a Function Room. It all really depends on the level of interest. Let's see how many old boys are prepared to commit themselves. Ray, your last posting was 19th September - and I've only just seen it, and note that no one else has bothered to show any interest or respond!! If we are going to make this happen, then I would suggest the Spring of 2012, as if we did it Jan or Feb or March, we may have snow to contend with. Yes, I know I originally suggested Jan or Feb but have now given it more thought, and Spring would be better surely ?? Why not keep in touch with me by email, Ray - you've also got my mobile number from a recent posting on this site.

Pendragon Reunion

posted by Shaun Allen on 27 Oct 2011 at 12:29 am

Although I live in Stockholm I'm over in the UK (Hastings / Brighton )a few times each year and could possibly make it for a reunion. About time! The list of ex pupils seems to grow with each year. I'm sure that I could get Anthony Platts to come as well.
Where's Coffee? Last time I saw him was at a military swimming competition somewhere in the UK (1966?)
Keep up the good work.

Is Bexhill such a good idea or will we old men melt in suitably with all the other pensioners - a certain irony in going back to a place you've hardly seen for almost 50 years and had mixed feelings for, for such a long time!

Bad Memories Of Bayliss

posted by John Allen on 30 Oct 2011 at 9:14 pm

After prep school at Claremont in St.Leonards I only went to Pendragon for 1 year in '59 after which my parents took me away because they didnt trust Bayliss. I was to get 24 strokes in public for some apparent slight that he took but reduced in to 12 across the bare bum instead in privat.e From what I read I can say happily that he ended up up in hell.

Keith Hayward

posted by Barry Scowen on 02 Nov 2011 at 8:41 pm

Yesterday Nov 1st I recieved an email from Neil Innes telling me of the passing of Keith Hayward,he died in Gran Canaria mid October and his funeral took place in Cornwall yesterday.
Just another polite reminder that we are'nt getting any younger - Bless Him

PHOTO

posted by HOWARD WHITE on 16 Nov 2011 at 1:54 pm

IM UNUABLE TO VIEW LARGE SHOOL PHOTO ON FACE BOOK-CAN YOU PLEASE PUT INTO BOARD-LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER PHOTOS-THANKS-EASY VIEWING

Seasons Greetings From NW Thailand

posted by paul willis on 20 Dec 2011 at 1:04 pm

As another year is about to come to an end, i would like to wish the boys circa 1958-1963 all the best for Christmas and 2012.I hope the planned re-union gets off the ground..i would have liked to be there.Hang in there boys!!!

Did You Have A Teacher Called Kathleen Jezzard ?

posted by wendy hasnip on 24 Dec 2011 at 12:08 am

Hi I live in Bexhill but a friend of my friend in North Yorkshire called Kathleen Jezzard (now nearly 80) told me she used to teach at Pendragon .Do you remember her ? Wendy

Hi Paul

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 11 Jan 2012 at 10:35 pm

Happy New year, so you are in Thailand to live? How did that come about ? what do you do for a living it sounds it could be interesting. Re-union a bit slow at the moment but am up for it and will continue to encourage others to back the plan. Lets face it , itwill probably be a one off but worth it. Best regards

Ray Kitchingman

The Reunion

posted by Gerald ( gerry ) Savage on 21 Jan 2012 at 5:18 pm

Hi All
We seem to have a few takers for a Pendragon reunion, and I feel that a late summer, perhaps August would be a good time to have it. I took the point about the snow and ice in winter. I could make it in August as I will be allowed to drive again then; following a crainiotomy operation to remove a benigne tumour from infront of my brain, from which I am recovering very well. will reach the big 65 on the 7th March!!
Very best wishes to all.
Gerry Savage

Hi Gerry

posted by Ray kitchingman on 23 Jan 2012 at 11:11 pm

Shit, you have been through the mill but great you are on the up. who knows what is round the corner? I am 66 in 2 weeks but I do remember you in our time at the Pen. I agree with you an August re-union would be a better option , lets put it forward to the many or the few. but we should have it. yes?
Where do you live now?, I am in Tunbridge Wells so not too far away, would love to hear back from you Ray Kitch

August Sounds Good

posted by Barry Scowen on 01 Feb 2012 at 11:47 am

Nice August day temp mid 70's plenty of chat and a few cold beers,

August Sounds Good Also

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 06 Feb 2012 at 11:15 pm

going to Oz feb 17th to march 20 to visit new grandaughter born 24th Jan 2012. Up for event in August or close when can we fix a date ? could be in any pub in bexhill or restaurant but lets make a date, it could be really good and then we could build on it with surviving members, taking on board previouse comments, can we go for it ? It needs a basic response so we can book a venue


I will book if you contact me with a yes

Ray Kitchingman

Reunion

posted by Garry Coffey on 07 Feb 2012 at 9:18 am

hi all, remember most of the names and some of the faces. Meet up with Shaun Allen acouple of times when we were in the army. took early retirement living in Rugby would be up for reunion but out of country till end of August

PENDRAGON REUNION

posted by BARRY NYE on 12 Feb 2012 at 6:04 pm

Yes... I am up for this reunion definitely. Can do August ( except 08 - 14 Aug ), and any other month. Bexhill is probably the best place to hold it unless anyone has other better ideas. Once we can get a rough idea of numbers, then a venue can be booked. However, I rather doubt we will get sufficient to book anywhere really - an then there is the cost!! If we get 8 - 10 of you, then we could just go to any pub or restaurent where we could get in. We could meet, say, at the train station perhaps. Any one got any better suggestions / ideas ?

Reunion

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 15 Feb 2012 at 10:40 pm

Lets suggest some dates and then go for it.

Best days, Friday or Saturday ?

August 24th/25th or August 31st/Sept 1st

Please comment so we can go forward on this, it sounds as if it should be a fairly loose
arrangement so we can be flexable on where we meet. Lunch time I think but no limitation, lets have a few commited ex Pens and we could meet !

Ray K

PENDRAGON SCHOOL REUNION

posted by BARRY NYE on 22 Feb 2012 at 4:57 pm

Yes, Ray - entirely agree with what you have said. Lunch-time would almost certainly be best unless there are any comments to the contrary. From 1.00pm maybe. I can do any of the dates you suggest: August 24th or 25th, OR August 31st or September 1st. I reckon a Saturday might attract the most interest in case any guys are still in employment although this is probably unlikely seeing our ages now! Once a few guys have committed themselves to a day/date then we can explore venues and it will surely be possible to see what is available or suitable online, won't it ?

Reunion

posted by garry coffey on 23 Feb 2012 at 3:30 pm

back in county 27th aug that wkend is a bank holiday so may i suggest sat 8th sept and we should perhaps have a red rose or copy of the mail because are any of us elderly gentlemen going to be able to reconize one another

UPDATE - PENDRAGON REUNION

posted by BARRY NYE on 23 Feb 2012 at 5:59 pm

Yes... Saturday 8th. September is fine with me. How about anyone else ? Yes - good idea, Garry. We do need some way to recognise each other, although perhaps nearer the time a few of us should swap mobile phone numbers. What does everyone think ?

Saturday 8th September

posted by Barry Scowen on 28 Feb 2012 at 7:33 pm

Barry Scowen date is in my diary.

Pen Reunion

posted by Steve Clark on 29 Feb 2012 at 8:53 pm

As far as I know at the moment I will be able to make Sat 8th September. Iwill certainly not bok anything for that date if I have a choice.

I can be contacted at esjayclark@yahoo.co.uk

Please keep me in the loop.

Cheers

Reunion

posted by mike fellowes on 01 Mar 2012 at 11:34 am

hi all.for those who dont remember me,iwas at pendragon 1956-1965/6 and was one of many who was given a birching in front of whole school,for taking bread from the kitchen.iwould be definately interested in meeting up and most dates would be suitable,i am now retired,and spend most of my time fishing,i assume we will be staying the night somewhere,because i'm sure we will be having a few jars inbetween catching up on the good old days[some not so good]i live in n.wales now so anywhere is ok for me and would love to see the old town.i look forward to hearing from any one,and i hope it goes ahead,you can count on me as a possitive yes.regards mike

Mike Fellowes

posted by Steve Clark on 01 Mar 2012 at 2:08 pm

Yes I remember you Mike, you were there most of the time I was, I think, though a couple of years junior to me. Seems odd to think of someone I regarded as one of the "little boys" now retired. Actually, of course, you can't be THAT much younger than I am and I've been retired for seven years plus, though I did go at 60.

Be nice to see you again.

Steve

Steve Clark

posted by Barry Scowen on 08 Mar 2012 at 7:09 pm

Retired at 60 thats what I like to hear So Baylis was'nt the only one who was glad to get rid of you.
WELL DONE
Kind Regards
Barry

The Renunion

posted by Gerald Savage on 11 Mar 2012 at 11:47 am

Hi All. Yes I have now put Saturday the 8th September in my diary for the renunion; which I very much look forward to attending. I will most probably arrange to spend the Saturday night at or near to the selected venue. Is there anyone down there on the South Coast who could suggest, or even actually book a venue in Bexhill. I believe that there was a pub / small hotel very close to the C of E church on the way into Bexhill from the old school?? I have a contact facility for Alan Lawson, and I will let him know. I will also email Tom MxKinney in Canada to see if he is up to making the trip over! Regards to all. Gerry Savage.

Reunion In Sept

posted by John Sweet on 12 Mar 2012 at 11:28 am

Hi Lads, I am up for it. Will come over from South Africa, see you lot and then also meet my old mates in Hastings where I uses to live as a day boy

Reunion In Sept

posted by Shaun Allen on 18 Mar 2012 at 9:08 pm

Thanks Garry for the update. Good to know that John Sweet is planning to be there as well. That date fits perfectly for me.wasn't Bexhill for the 'old people' and there's us lot arriving, complete with zimmer frames!
I shall be the one with the original boater on my head!
Cheers from Shaun Allen, Stockholm
(ps John - you used to travel on the same bus as I did from Hastings, usually with Mr Bull)

Reunion

posted by garry coffey on 18 Mar 2012 at 10:55 pm

just heard from shaun allen he will be over from sweden

Reunion

posted by Michael Frost on 24 Mar 2012 at 3:24 pm

Please count me in for 8th Sept. Can anybody contact Clive Davies, and convince him to attend. I would like to see him again after 50 years.

Reunion

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 30 Mar 2012 at 8:54 pm

Good 8th Sept good for me. I would also be interested to contact Clive Davies. We will need to get an idea of numbers incase we have to book a venue. Also accommodation will be required so will google and publish results. Looking forward to the meet.

PENDRAGON SCHOOL RE-UNION SEPTEMBER 2012

posted by BARRY NYE on 02 Apr 2012 at 4:24 pm

YES... date for re-union is now firmly in my diary. Saturday 8th. September, 2012 at a venue to be arranged in Bexhill-on-Sea. I rather doubt we will need to book anywhere unless numbers warrant this. A large pub probably would suffice. What we WILL need to do nearer the time is to find a way of easily identifying each other. Either by wearing something on our lapels perhaps or swapping phone numbers, especially with whoever is going to take on the role as the main organiser, otherwise we may not recognise each other after so many, many years and the ageing process has, of course, taken its toll!!

The Reunion

posted by Gerald (Gerry) Savage on 03 Apr 2012 at 10:54 am

The 8th September is absolutely perfect as it is just sfter I get back from a holiday in Cyprus. So who on the south coast is going to volunteer to either book or find a venue and post their phone No for everyone to confirm their attendance prior to a booking being made. On the day we could all simply wear something 'blue' for recognition. Best wishes to everyone. Regards, Gerry Savage.

The Reunion

posted by Michael Frost on 05 Apr 2012 at 4:03 pm

Speak for yourself Mr. Nye. My red hair may have turned 'a Whiter shade of Pale', but I've still retained my boyish good looks!

The Reunion

posted by Steve Clark on 06 Apr 2012 at 3:16 pm

Still got your old (revolting blue) blazer, Gerry?

Can you sitll get into it?

The Reunion

posted by Gerald (Gerry) Savage on 11 Apr 2012 at 4:50 pm

Hi Ray
Yes I do remember you, and I look forward to meeting up with you again on the 8th September at the reunion; but speaking of this, I recall from one of your previous comments, that you could actually arrange the venue etc. We seem to have quite a few takers so far, and I know that others will follow once the button is actually pressed. I live too far away to get down to Bexhill, but you do seem to be quite close. Please give me a ring to catch-up. My Mobile No is 07787 145562. I would also be very pleased to hear from anyone who wishes to give me a call. Is Neil Innis still contactable by anyone, as I'm sure he would be interested in attending. I have contacted Alan Lawson who is up for it, and I have emailed Tom McKinney in Canada.

Reunion

posted by mike fellowes on 13 Apr 2012 at 9:51 am

hi john sweet.looking forward to seeing some of the lads at reunion.i think i have a photo of you on a sports day when you won the victor ladorium cup[think thats what it was called].you can see photo on friends reunited under pendragon school with a few others i put on.but will bring them down with me.i am intending to stay the night,because i'm sure i will have a pint or maybe two..... look forward to meeting all.
regards mike.

Reunion

posted by Shaun Allen on 17 Apr 2012 at 8:50 pm

Good to know that it's the 8th Sept. Flying over to UK tomorrow (18th April) for a few days. Might be in the Hastings area .. and might get the chance to look around for a suitable place in Bexhill. I'll let you know.

Hello Garry Coffee

posted by Gerry Savage on 05 May 2012 at 2:02 pm

Hi Garry, and I'm sorry that I was not able to return your phone call; which was because you were diverted to my voice mail and failed to leave me your phone No!! Please try me again on 07787 145562, and we will have a chat. I see that the reunion in Sept. is gathering pace! Best regards, Gerry Savage

Reunion

posted by Shaun Allen on 05 May 2012 at 4:27 pm

Just got back from a trip to Hastings/Battle
and spent a morning in Bexhill. I actually found that I blended in quite well- as one does when over 60! I had a lunch at the De La Ware but the styling of the restaurent/bar is very modern and has no charm whatsoever. However, it is an iconic building and perhaps the place to at least meet. I checked a few pubs around the station area and they were either smart wine bars or just dour looking pubs with a few locals, slot machines and an uninteresting menu! But... there is one place which you may remember: The Denbigh which is on the Little Common Road, still in Bexhill, set back from the main road. It has always been a great place to eat good pub food. ( - open all day Saturdays - http://www.thedenbigh.com ) The only way to get there would be by taxi (takes approx 5 min from the seafront) I have 3 names of taxi companies in Bexhill, one with mini buses.
Another alternative is a restaurent opposite the De La Ware called The Italian Way, fairly decent food at a reasonable price.
So, if you want easy access from the railway station and a 5 min walk down to the De La Ware, then it's a good place to meet up and have a first drink. Then either in mini buses to the Denbigh for some serious drinking and wallowing in nostalgi in a good pub environment, or cross over the road to the Italian. There is very little else, from what I could see. If you've got a better plan then........please let us know.
There is one thing that perhaps we should arrange, if the Denbigh is chosen, and that is a detour to the old school site en route to the pub.
Ok, it's back to you gentlemen. Start replying. Someone needs to collect email and tel nrs.
Mine is shaun_rur@hotmail.com and tel is 0046 8 6432619
Start booking those flights!
Cheers to you all from Shaun

The Pendragon Reunion

posted by Gerald Savage on 06 May 2012 at 4:00 pm

Hi all. Just to say that I have posted a note on the Friends Reunited website where there is already a link to Pendragon School. Unless anybody visits Bexhill to make the necessary bookings for the reunion, I will drive down there (once I am medically fit to drive..early July 2012)and book-up a venue with optional overnight accommodation for those wishing to carry the proceedings on into the early hours!! My Uk mobile phone No is 07787 145562. Regards to all.

Reunion

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 08 May 2012 at 10:28 pm

Hi Gerald and Shaun

visited my brother inlaw in Battle last week and he mentioned the Cooden Beach Hotel as a good venue for meeting.It is a bit out of town, and I do favour town, but it has plenty of accomadation and function rooms of various sizes.

Rooms are ?60 B&B

If we meet in town is there accomodation for any numbers?

Can we registar the number of Pens coming so we can get a feel for requirements for the day.

I think lunchtime meet is good and rest of day can flow and I guess most will stay over, I will.

Any thoughts

Ray Kitch

PENDRAGON SCHOOL RE-UNION, SEPTEMBER 2012

posted by BARRY NYE on 10 May 2012 at 8:44 pm

Yes - I definitely confirm I will be coming but will not require accommodation, as living in Brighton, it is not too far to travel back. I like the idea suggested of dropping by the old school site at some point, all of us together, as I think that is important, even though the original buildings as we knew them, apparently no longer exist. I haven't been up there myself since leaving. I guess at some point we shall have to decide a time to start meeting, and personally I feel a venue central to the town ( Bexhill ). Once we get a good indication of numbers and those requiring accommodation overnight, plans can then continue on that basis.

Pendragon Reunion

posted by Steve Clark on 13 May 2012 at 8:46 pm

I plan to be there. Somewhere in the town would be best but if the Cooden Beach Hotel is a good venue, I'd settle for that. I will be staying overnight

Pendragon Reunion

posted by Steve Clark on 13 May 2012 at 9:13 pm

As I said in my previous post, I plan to be there. I shall be staying at the Buenos Aires Guesthouse in Albany Road in the town (booked!)and will get a taxi there from whatever venue is settled on for the evening: perhaps even the train if we eat, drink, etc at the Cooden Beach although that is, according to Google earth only 2.2 miles away. There is not, despite my adolescent memories to the contrary, a huge selection of accommodation in Bexhill, but then we don't all have to stay in the same place, do we? We can always meet up for coffee on the Sunday morning if we feel so inclined.

Reunion

posted by Garry Coffey on 16 May 2012 at 8:24 am

Will be there, just let me know the venue.To digress I was out with one of my daughters last night and she asked Dad were you ever in Prison? Why. well I noticed on your computer that you were in The PEN from 56 to 63 if only she knew how close she was Hotel booked looking forward

Reunion

posted by garry coffey on 21 May 2012 at 6:43 pm

Hotel booked just let me know the venue see you all on the 8th

Ref Venue

posted by Ray Kitchingman on 29 May 2012 at 11:28 pm

Seems limited venues in town. Cooden Beach offers various options for group meets with buffet style casual reception or other, plenty of accomodation.I think to avoid fragmentation of our meet we need to commit, any other venue suggestions?

Ray Kitch

The Reunion

posted by Gerry Savage on 04 Jun 2012 at 1:15 pm

Further to my earlier postings, this is just to confirm that I will be driving down to Bexhill in early July to find a good Town location with a function room and capacity for overnight accommodation; but I need to know the numbers. Could everybody who is planning to come on the 8th September please email me to confirm whether you will be attending for the day only, and whether you require overnight accommodation. I know that some of you have already made your own bookings; but it would be great if those spending the night are all in one venue! My email address is gerrysavage[AT]hotmail.co.uk

Reunion

posted by Anthony Platts on 30 Jun 2012 at 3:27 pm

*th Sept is fine for me how about the Cooden beach hotel ?

REunion

posted by Anthony Platts on 04 Jul 2012 at 8:53 am

Just a thought how about the Powder Mill Hotel in Battle ?I feel it should be booked up fairly soon ?

Anyone Remember Me

posted by Simon Allen on 04 Jul 2012 at 7:44 pm

Jonathon Marten who I bumped into mentioned a meet up on 8th September 2012. I can make that. Venue? How about the Cooden Beech hotel. For those of you who have never been back to Bexhill since your school days Bexhill no longer has any sizeable hotel. Shall I make enquiries? Anyone remember me?

Re-Union Powder Mill Hotel, Battle.

posted by BARRY NYE on 04 Jul 2012 at 8:51 pm

I have heard that the Powder Mill Hotel in Battle is mega-pricey!! I may be wrong so it can always be checked out and quotes requested. It was just something that was in the back of my mind!!

8th Sept 2012

posted by Ray Kitch on 10 Jul 2012 at 11:14 pm

Looks like Cooden Beach could be best choice, any update from you Gerry ? Have you got any idea of numbers yet? Should book soon, date was free when I made enquiries when I dropped in to check it out.
Out of town but had all the facilities. Didn't check out the beer though. Hope Real Ale

Ray Kitch

The Reunion

posted by Gerry Savage on 29 Jul 2012 at 3:41 pm

I have just emailed Ray Kitchingham to say that I will be unable to get down to Bexhill to make the booking for drinks and lunch for our planned reunion on the 8th September, due to work commitments and that I amm off overseas for a fortnigh in a couple of weeks time. I have suggested that The Cooden Beach Hotel seems to be the best place to hold the reunion; but I have been unable to make contact directly with the hotel, as I kept being channeled off to booking websites such as Expedia. I have asked Ray if he is able to get down to the Cooden Beach to arrange the lunch etc and that there will most probable be between 12 to 20 of us attending. Everybody wanting to stay the night there can then make their on bookings using the booking websites.If Ray cannot get down there, then is there anybody else in the near vacinity to Bexhill who could tie-up the loose ends. Sorry that I am unable to follow through in booking the reunion, but I will most definately be there on the day' Best wishes to all. My Mobile Phone no os 07787 145562.

8th Sep Meet

posted by Ray Kitch on 30 Jul 2012 at 10:18 pm

Gerry Savage can not make booking due to other commitments and has asked if I can. Cooden seems best venue to meet all requirements so shall I book a buffet lunch for, we think 20 people,and everyone should book thier own accomodation, Cooden Beach or other. Can you let me know if this is OK as I will have to commit to the cost of the lunch, I will give you an idea of cost when I can get down to speak with the hotel. Costs for B&B I posted earlier

LET ME KNOW SOON SO I CAN BOOK

Ray Kitch

PENDRAGON RE-UNION 8th September, 2012

posted by BARRY NYE on 02 Aug 2012 at 9:52 pm

All fine by me, Ray. Buffet lunch is undoubtedly the best idea. I'm up for that. As I live in Brighton, I won't have to worry about any accommodation. Will get train over as it stops at Cooden Beach station. You have my phone number, Ray - should you need it. 07810282623

OB Reunion

posted by Steve Clark on 03 Aug 2012 at 6:11 am

Yes, I'm in Ray. {lease include me in the numbers. I already have ccommodation booked elsewhere.

Cheers

Steve

I'm In

posted by Steve Clark on 05 Aug 2012 at 8:48 pm

I posted this before but it seems not to have taken. Either that or messages are taking a long time to be cleared and it will appear twice. However, better twice than not at all. I will be there, Ray. I have accommodation booked though not at the CB Hotel. Letme know if you want a deposit or anything. (SJC[AT]esandjay.plus.com)

Cheers

Steve (Clark)

Reunion

posted by Ray Kitch on 06 Aug 2012 at 7:28 pm

Spoke to Gerry Savage this evening to find out how many responses he had had re booking lunch. I think the answer was four. I spoke to the Cooden Beach Hotel re booking a room and buffet for approx 20 people very informal. Cost ?100 for room and finger buffet 13? a head. Was going back to them for a fork buffet lunch cost but wanted to get a feel for numbers.
So having checked this out with Gerry we decided not to go for a private lunch booking because of cost and commiting everyone to it, we may want dinner instead.
My suggestion is that we all meet at the Cooden Beach Hotel from noon on the 8th Sept (only 5 weeks away) in the Bar and we can do what we please. I have booked accomodation there already as have a few others.OK with all, please comment

Ray Kitch

Reunion

posted by Steve Clark on 07 Aug 2012 at 11:49 am

Sounds good to me. See you noon 8th Sept.

Steve

PENDRAGON RE - UNION

posted by BARRY NYE on 07 Aug 2012 at 6:59 pm

Great idea, Ray. You have absolutely done the best thing. No point in committing to a booking for lunch, etc. Meet in bar as you have said, then see how many turn up and what they all want to do. If only small number actually do arrive, then there wil be no problems or embarrassment in having pre-booked lunch or dinner. I think we will have to play it by ear on the day itself, don't you think ? Barry

Recognition

posted by Steve Clark on 09 Aug 2012 at 6:13 pm

How do we recnognise each other? Perhaps we should wear/carry something distinctive. A boater? Perhaps not!

The Reunion

posted by Gerry Savage on 12 Aug 2012 at 2:22 pm

Hi again Ray, and yes I will definately be at the Cooden Beach Hotel at lunchtime on the 8th September, and I might be spending the night; so I will book accordingly. Looking forward to meeting everybody after such a long time!!

Reunion

posted by Ray Kitch on 13 Aug 2012 at 10:44 pm

Wish I still had my old boater turned up at the brim, but I guess we could register a Pen directive from reception to the bar,can be arranged

REunion

posted by Anthony Platts on 15 Aug 2012 at 5:15 pm

I hope to be there if nay remember me .So see you at theCooden Beech at 12 noon

Pendragon Reunion

posted by Ray Kitch on 21 Aug 2012 at 11:09 pm

8th Sept Reunion, meet at the Cooden Beach Hotel now confirmed. Meet in bar from 12 noon and as numbers are unknown we will have to plan what we do from there.I am booked in for stay, rooms are from ?60 b&b. Bring any old photo's etc you have as we will not recognise ourselves now anyway and will have to work hard on all evidence available.I am not elected to organize anything but my home telephone number is 01892 539747 No mobile

Ray Kitch see you there

Pen Reunion

posted by Ray Kitch on 27 Aug 2012 at 7:04 pm

Second posting of this message as first has still not appeared after a week.
Cooden Beach Hotel seems favourite for meet, from 12 noon in the bar.
Should we wear a name tag (home made ) to help us elderly gentleman recognise each other?
So far, from the input from this message board, it looks like 12 in the party so far.
We can make up our minds what we do when we meet.
Hope all make it, see you there. Book your own accomodation. Cooden Beach is ?60 B&B

Ray Kitch

Hi Ray Barnard

posted by Gerry Savage on 29 Aug 2012 at 1:36 pm

Hi Ray and I did get your voicemail message amongst 30 others upon my return from holiday; but I then accidently deleated your message before I could take a note of your phone number. I am definately going to the reunion on the 8th September. As I cannot contact you, could you please phone me back at any time on 07787 145562. Looking forward to meeting up with you again.d29

The Reunion

posted by Gerry Savage on 01 Sept 2012 at 2:06 pm

Hi all and this is to confirm that I will be attending the reunion on Saturday the 8th September, and that I have booked into the Cooden Beech Hotel for the night. I look forward to meeting up with you all again, even if it is after five decades!!! Regards to all. I will try and contact Alan Lawson.

Publicity

posted by Steve Clark on 02 Sept 2012 at 11:11 am

I don't know if anyone else has contacted the Bexhill Observer but I have. I'd be quite surprised if there wasn't a photographer there on Saturday so make sure you look your best. If you're worried about that kind of thing!

Steve

Reunion Feedback

posted by paul willis on 03 Oct 2012 at 7:26 am

I would love to hear from anyone on how the reunion unfolded.Give me the gos on who went and how many were left standing.My email address is paulwillis1918@hotmail.com

Pendragon School 1960-65

posted by Paul Adams on 02 Dec 2012 at 8:33 pm

I have just come across all the messages on Pendragon School. I experienced the School, Baylis and Macdonald...not good memories. I am struggling to remember names, Nigel Crosse, Howard Crosse and Grassick ring bells. Shame I missed reunion in September.

Pendragon School

posted by Paul Adams on 04 Dec 2012 at 9:20 pm

Hi,
My time at Pendragon was 1960-65, I recognise many of the comments above. I am struggling to remember names. I do know Howard Croose, Nigel Crosse and I remember Grassick. Does anyone remember me? My parents lived in Germany at the time. I remember going to see the Swinging Blue Jeans at the pavilion.
Paul Adams

Reunion

posted by garry coffey on 17 Dec 2012 at 9:58 pm

Were there any photos of the 10 of us that made it to the reunion and Shaun ALlen if u see this can tou email me

Photographs For Garry Coffey

posted by Gerry Savage on 31 Dec 2012 at 4:54 pm

Hi Garry and a very happy new year ahead to you. Yes, I did snap everybody either in larger or smaller groups. They are on my mobile phone, but I do not know how to download them onto my PC in order to email them to you; but I can email them to you via my new i.phone 5; so please text me your email address. My UK number is 07787 145562. Good to meet up with you again last September, and I look forward to the next bash! Regards Gerry Savage

The Reunion Photos

posted by Gerry Savage on 25 Feb 2013 at 7:26 pm

Hi Garry. I have been trying to email you all the photos from the reunion, but they are not going out!! I have garrycoffee[AT]hotmail.com
Is this correct? My email is gerrysavage[AT]hotmail.co.uk
Regards, Gerry Savage

Address

posted by garry coffey on 15 Apr 2013 at 10:19 pm

garrycoffey[AT]hotmail.com FAO gerry

Pendragon - 1957 - 59

posted by Manoochehr Rashidi on 24 Apr 2013 at 2:00 pm

I was at Pendragon from 1957 to 1959. Very very sorry about Bryan Graves passing. He was my very close friend. I stayed at his house during a vacation, when the school was closed. I am form Iran; been living here since 1971. I was also friends with White, Hartley and others. I also have bad memories of Baylis. Thank you Chris Poynter, if you require some names for the 58 photo, please let me know.
With best wishes - Rashidi

Memories

posted by Tudor Morgan on 24 Apr 2013 at 10:24 pm

Met up with Nigel Powell today and we talked about many of the names here. Strange to think it was 51 years ago we met in the dorm for the first time. He was considered special as had the only single bed there.
While do not have such painful memories as some I do remember the night time adventures of skinning down the drain pipes and going into Bexhill at 12 at night. Sports days down on the front and being forced to swim in the sea on the coldest on days. I actually enjoyed my time there but then again did not know different. Would appreciate any one who knew me then to contact me as perhaps we could have a reunion somewhere. Remember Bayliss dying and Macdonald taking over. That's when we started going out at night.

Rashidi "The Persian Boys"

posted by Barry Scowen on 29 Apr 2013 at 9:45 pm

Hello Rashidi, First you were still a school when I arrived in Sept 1960, You were a prefect and I was a new boy so our paths never really crossed.I have often wondered what happened to the Persian Boys? the Tommanian Brothers and Nasseri your home country has gone through Many changes since we all left Bexhill did they return home or like you stayed in the UK ?

PENDRAGON RE-UNION 2013

posted by BARRY KINGSTON ( NYE ) on 03 May 2013 at 3:43 pm

As we are now into May, just wondered if there is likely to be another re-union this year ? I attended last year's at the Cooden Beach Hotel which I felt was a great success, and it was suggested that another might be on the cards for this year. I know we were all hoping to get an even bigger/better turnout for this year. I thought the venue was absolutely perfect and we were, of course, very lucky indeed with the weather!
I can't quite recall who ( if anyone ) volunteered to organise it so please let us all know via this message board if there is any likelihood of the event going ahead this summer. Thanks.

From Charters Towers

posted by carol williams on 11 May 2013 at 7:56 pm

Fascinated by all your messages and one from Gillian who was close to my time. My memories of your school were of embarrassment as we had to walk the path from the road, around your field to the shared labs on your side of the road, whilst a group of Pendragon boys sang songs such as "Jeanie with the Light brown Hair".
We did suggest to our principal that as both schools were international that perhaps we could have some social exchange, but I suppose she thought that would be 'asking for trouble".
I often wonder what happened to Pendragon. CTS was merged with Ancaster but it didn't really work as the schools were so different. I am still in touch with many old friends from CTS. Alas we were not able to create "World Peace" as we thought we would (at the grand age of 16) but many of the old girls have done some very good things.
How about Pendragon?
It is sad that so many of you have such bad memories of the headmaster. We were lucky: strict though she was our principal was an outstanding woman. Many of us stayed in touch with her until she died, only a few years ago aged 102.
I am very interested to hear from anyone what
benefit you feel you received from attending an international school. I have a long list!
carol

Tudor Morgan/Paul Adams

posted by Chris Rice on 12 May 2013 at 5:22 pm

Tudor Morgan, demon fast bowler who hit my middle wicket, can still feel the pain.

Paul Adams, do I still owe you a quid for a pair of zipped brown suede boots?

Rashidi - Hi!

posted by Chris Poynter on 15 May 2013 at 6:12 am

Rashidi, I remember you well, I hope life has treated you well?

Haven't been on this forum for a long time, retirement is proving busy, and very enjoyable!

As for names, I haven't looked at the '58 picture for a long time, but the more names we get the fuller the picture and it might just prompt some more memories. email me at chris.poynter45[AT]gmail.com if you like.

Cheers

Chris

Re: The Persion Boys

posted by Manoochehr Rashidi on 20 May 2013 at 11:03 am

Thank you Mr. Barry Scowen for your message 29 Apr. As far as I can remember, the Persian boys were Minas Minasian, Ahmad Naseri, Toomanian, Lowlagar, and Asghar Hamadani. I don't know where they are. I am in Shiraz, Iran. I saw Hamadani in Tehran about 40 years ago; he had changed his name to Rowshan. If you or anyone may want to contact me via email, my address is rashidim(att)yahoo.com . Best regards.

Suede Boots

posted by Paul Adams on 25 May 2013 at 8:55 pm

Tudor, yes a quid, plus interest!! i hope they lasted well. Cheers. Paul

Reunion 2013

posted by Anthony Platts on 28 May 2013 at 6:05 am

May is nearly finished does any one want another reunion this year? When would be suitable ?
presume same plac ???

Re-union 2013

posted by Ray Kitch on 29 May 2013 at 10:11 pm

Sounds good to me, date to fix and venue was good for last year and has little competition especially if numbers go up.Cooden Beach Hotel has the capacity and catering to cater for any event but we do need to book. All above please respond !!

Reunion 2013

posted by Anthony Platts on 13 Jun 2013 at 2:32 pm

I would be interested just a question of when and how many

PENDRAGON RE-UNION 2013

posted by BARRY KINGSTON ( NYE ) on 15 Jun 2013 at 1:27 pm

Yes - as I've said previously, I'm up for it again this year. We did it in September last year which seemed a good time to hold it. Yes, agree - the Cooden Beach Hotel was an ideal venue, and especially if the weather is good, then it would be even better as we could gather outside as we did last year. Count me in. My MOB if you need it is: 07810282623 We will need to make a definite date soon, won't we ? Hopefully even more old boys will manage to make it this year.

More Pictures

posted by Chris Poynter on 25 Jun 2013 at 12:20 pm

I've added 6 more pictures on Friends Reunited, provided by a former pupil, who wishes not to be identified.

Cheers

Chris

Re UNion

posted by Anthony Platts on 31 Aug 2013 at 12:54 pm

Has any one come up with a date yet ? I am free towards the end of September

Anyone Remember My Dad?

posted by Samantha Valentine-Rugg on 04 Sept 2013 at 8:48 pm

Hi,
My dad went to Pendragon boarding school from about 1957 - his name is Michael Deann-Valentine. He often used to play the organ in the church on Sundays. He always said the school was worse than prison. If anyone remembers him I'll let him know.

PENDRAGON RE-UNION

posted by BARRY KINGSTON ( NYE ) on 04 Oct 2013 at 3:11 pm

Well! It all went very quiet on the possible re-union for this year, didn't it ? Not even a mention since JUNE!! Guess you've all been mega-busy ?!! Looks like it will have to be 2014 now - if at all. Any comments from anyone ???

It May Have Been Quiet!

posted by Barry Scowen on 26 Nov 2013 at 11:06 pm

I received a phone call on Sunday from my old school mate David Trotter he came across this site and read that I had enquired of his whereabouts, came up with the theory that I was not too far away from our last meeting and found my phone number with help from his local library.result! Thanks to this site.

Last Post On This Site Nov 2013

posted by Barry Scowen on 05 Apr 2014 at 3:17 pm

THE END

Never Surrender

posted by Richard Hannay on 21 Apr 2014 at 3:56 pm

This is not the End, nor is it the Beginning of the End, but it might be the End of the Beginning. We owe a duty to our fallen school fellows, who made the supreme sacrifice, resisting the onslaught of Paul Baylis,( and thereby, making this world a better place,) to keep this page alive.
Did anyone out there have the 'hots' for Mrs. Barker-Bennett?

Hots For

posted by Ray kitchingman on 08 May 2014 at 9:37 pm

Yes her pipe

Memories

posted by Richard Hannay on 12 May 2014 at 12:21 pm

Mr. Kitchenman, I hope that your last posting was not a euphemism. Although, I do remember her moustache rivaling that of Prof. Mackintosh.

Suppose The Site Should Carry On

posted by Barry Scowen on 23 May 2014 at 1:20 pm

Let's the world know we had our own Jimmy Saville with an extra perverse trait.

Keep On Keeping On

posted by Jim Winter aka Hasler-Winter on 06 Jun 2014 at 4:52 pm

Hi Folks,
Can it be 7 years since I wrote my only other contribution? Sort of sorry I missed the reunion but I'm bot sure I'm good at that sort of thing. A correction Dorian Pyle and I were at Harrogate Army Apprentices College in 1965. He did well and I left after a year realising that I wasn't really suited. I don't mind saying I admire his achievement in that environment.

The one thing about these places that I've learnt is that it isn't the buildings its the people who made it what it was - good and especially Bayliss and Baine that sod who got me publicly beaten one sunday morning because I punched someone Baine 'cosied' up to regularly, who had pushed into the lunch queue . Still I didn't give them the satisfaction of losing my dignity and i'm still not sorry I did it. Thankfully I was never put to the test by what I now understand was a seriously more unhealthy place than I realised. I dimly recall feeling a profound sense of being excluded from something special - as if I was somehow unworthy ( thanks be to whatever saved me from that) of being allowed to watch TV after bedtime as certain parties did in Baines's room.

I seem to have been there for ever my school photo from about 1958 shows a shy little boy in the back row and I seem to have felt like that the whole time til I left to go the Harrogate in january 1965, Wow three whole o levels. I seem to remember sitting Physics and Chemisty after about 2.5 terms when I was 15 and obviously failing completely and then leaving school. Later I went to Cambridge had had what were probably the best three years of my life by which time I was 30 or thereabouts.

Now I have two sons - one just leaving uni and another hopefully on his way this autumn. There was never a chance any child of mine was going to boarding school. I'm also a grandfather from my first family and looking forward to seeing her this summer when she visits on route to volunteering in india from US where she lives.

It's great that although scarred we keep on keeping on. Sad I seem to have had absolutely no talent or perhaps any talent needs a little encouragement. Certainly there was never any forthcoming at Pendragon. Nor for that matter at that other institution I was boarded at before Pendragon - Frinton Prep School.

I'll tell you what is weird though. I still have a school scarf and cap! and various bits and pieces that I had at school in my tuck box, along with post cards from my mum ( now 96 ) sent from Nigeria where they lived while my Dad worked there, although that tuck box sadly disintegrated from an attack of the woodworm years back.

Baylis got an old black Daimler not that long before the end.

I recall latin with Prof Macintosh in the prefabs before o levels he stank of stale tobacco and must have been 70 if a day - or did people age earlier then.

Major Morris was a charming old boy - I remember him opening up about an out of body experience he had when blown up in the trenches during what I assumed was the first war. He said he went out to East Africa between the wars and did a lot to organise the building of the railway system ( which is now sadly in a dire state).

I have a feeling that Madvahni ( excuse spelling ) who was from Uganda and I seem to recall that his family were big in trade. I think he has since returned after the ghastly exodus period and is now head of a major group of companies and hopefully his family thrives. Not I have to say that we were particularly friends at school. Congratulations if thats really you. I do hope so because they practically lost the lot to Idi Amin Dada

I tried googling George Youratoglou once but didn't get far.

my number is 07564 606607

Pendragon From Afar

posted by Christopher Hughes on 04 Nov 2014 at 6:29 am

Just came across this website. I left Pendragon in 1962. I have been living in South Africa since 1970 and so I am totally out of touch with England, never mind the school and anybody I knew there. this is just a quick note to establish contact; I'll read some of the messages on here at a later stager and go from there.

Christopher Hughes

posted by Barry Scowen on 09 Feb 2015 at 8:45 pm

Come on Hughes I'm sure you're not that slow a reader.

School Pic 1962

posted by George Scott on 15 Feb 2015 at 1:54 pm

Hello.
THis is a strange one. I am a 57yr old Scotsman who went to a local council school in Edinburgh (thank goodness!!). I recently bought an original framed school photograph of Pendragon School 1962, from a local boot sale.
I only bought it for the frame, as I can use it to frame some of my older football memorabilia . I then googled the school and have spent the last hour or so, reading some of the horrifying details on this site.

Anyway, I have removed the long photograph from the frame and its in VG/mint condition, and could be rolled up!. If anyone fancies buying it for a minimum amount say £15 (that will include the P & P in a postal tube, to a British address) please get in touch.

Ref. School Picture 1962

posted by Shaun Allen on 01 Mar 2015 at 4:24 pm

Very interested in buying the old photo - if it is in good condition! Had some friends over last night and ended up discussing our school experiences. Mine ensured that I had a captive audience!
Shaun Allen, Pendragon School 1960- 1965 Bexhill

(Stockholm, Sweden)

1962 Picture

posted by Barry Scowen on 05 Mar 2015 at 12:30 pm

Some kind of contact info would be usefull.

Old Photo

posted by George Scott on 30 Mar 2015 at 10:26 am

Re the Old photo , my e-mail is jcs58[AT]hotmail.co.uk. Please get in touch.

I Was Once An Inmate.

posted by Michael sperring on 10 Jun 2015 at 11:26 pm

Hi to anyone that remembers me, i was an inmate from 1961-65, my best mate was James Seelig a great mate and at the time both our homes were in BG (british guiana),after escaping i joined the RN did 9yrs then moved to Derbyshire did a couple of years on the fire service,then a couple of years as a fireman at East Midlands Airport,then the last 25yrs at Rolls Royce, 8yrs as a fireman then the rest in the heat treat, my memories of Pendragon? No one has mentioned in the winter if the baylis (doesn't deserve capitals) caught you still in bed you were marched down to our lovely outdoor (heated ha ha ) pool, made to jump in breaking the ice, your bo&&ks hitging the back of your through, this happend twice to me.but my worst memery was when there was a flue epidemic and over 50% of us were bed bound,but sods law i was bed bound from having a vaccination that went wrong and my arm was agony,when one of my dorm mates punched me on the arm,i lept out of bed and started a punch up,yes you guessed it the baylis just happened to walk in. The barstuard then caned the s**t out of us, when he had finished i had to change my pjs not just because of the blood,but unfortunately i had lost control of my bladder and pissed myself.with his running and just lashing out i had bleeding welts on my back and up my legs,a few days later whilst waiting for the lew before lights out,baylis walked by and said to Haywood, (i think I've got his name right) you've got 4 black marks, Sperring drop your pjs and show him what he will be getting, sadistic barstuard. Hope to hear from some of you,the names i remember are, Madvani, william bros, Robin Gordon, Hardy, Farrant (don't know if i want to hear from him) savage (think we used to wrestle )David Andrews, the Rose boys RIP, there are a lot more but the old grey matter doesn't work so well (not that it ever did), hope to hear from" YOU", And if you are having another reunion i would love to be there.

All the best
mick sperring.

Gordon Major And Minor

posted by David Gordon on 17 Nov 2015 at 7:49 pm

Sadly my brother Nicholas died in 2008.

7 Years Later

posted by Mark Maxwell (Willis) on 15 Dec 2015 at 4:25 pm

Great to see this is still going after my first contact with this site about 7 years ago. I have the 58 photo in my study and often wonder how everyone is doing! Congrats to all the survivors. I am now retired (at 67 yrs old) in the US but make trips back to UK every couple of years. Since I still have family in Sussex I do plan to visit Bexhill school site next time. Does anyone remember Clive Maxwell the math teacher (probably 56-58?).
Since I missed the get togethers it has been fun to read the updates on this site. Best to all.

Wow This Thread Is Still Going

posted by John Sweet on 09 Jan 2016 at 10:59 am

I had forgotten all about this thread until I was cleaning out some old files on a hard drive.
Interesting reading.
I am still in South Africa, healthy and enjoying life in a semi retired position.
I have taken up art and if you would like to see some of my work go to my FB website https://www.facebook.com/johnsweetart

Please Answer

posted by Rian on 17 Mar 2016 at 12:37 pm

I have 2 questions, does anyone know how to get into that school and is it still alive?

RIP Pendragon

posted by Gordon minor on 01 May 2016 at 2:33 pm

The school was demolished and apparently the site is occupied by flats. Where did the tiger skins go? Has anyone got any paperwork. I have a few Sunday letters.

Pendragon School

posted by Paul Pocock on 12 May 2016 at 7:36 am

I have just seen the messages from old boys at Pendragon school Bexhill, I would like to hear from anyone who was there 1960 - 1966

I Was There 1960 To1964

posted by Ray kitchingman on 02 Jul 2016 at 9:06 pm

Bayliss and Baines head and deputy, Rogers head boy.I was a boarder and remember many of the above. I live in Tunbridge Wells in Kent and am now retired. Glad to hear from anyone from that time

Regards. Ray

Pendragon ,1960 1966 UGH

posted by Robin Gordon on 16 Dec 2016 at 7:00 pm

The place was a nightmare starvation floggings and living by the sound of that bloody rediffusion buzzer system friends John Martyn I was the drummer in the Night Raiders also Mark Sandman Paul Pocock Michael Sperring Charles Gillespie anyway I am on Facebook and living portsmouth I am now 66 years old with three children three grandchildren if anyone remembers me get in touch. Have a good Christmas guys Robin Gordon

Hi To Robin Gordon.

posted by paul jacaobs on 24 Dec 2016 at 2:09 pm

Hi Robin, I don't know if you remember me but I think we were in the same class at one point. I was a captive at PC 1960 for 2 years + and if you are the boy as I recall, you had a Grundig reel to reel tape recorder always playing The Beatles. Your tuck box always seemed to have more in it than mine! This I believe the only fond memory of that hell-hole, enjoying that music. My desk was opposite yours by the window in front of Charles Gillespie. Conway major was the head boy who had two siblings, minor and later mini. I must have come across as a sad little boy having come from a very unhappy home situation and transferred to an even more so at PC. Do you remember the marble slides we made in our desks with rulers and books?
I can't think for the life of me how I got onto this page today, but, hey, get back if any of this makes sense to you. Best wishes to you and any other that remembers me. Paul Jacobs.

Pendragon ,1960 1966 UGH

posted by Robin Gordon on 04 Jan 2017 at 8:51 pm

Hi Paul yes that was me I did have a grundig reel to reel tape recorder always recording the top ten on a Sunday afternoon and I drink it up lots of tuck parcels from my mum and grandmother otherwise I would have starved to death I am coming up for 67 years of age how old are you what part of country do you live in I live in Portsmouth there are still a few pendragon boys around I am sure I am on Facebook under Robin Gordon Wylie coyote hope you are in good health Paul let's hope we can keep in touch best wishes to you Robin Gordon

Pendragon 1960-1965

posted by Paul Pocock on 17 Jan 2017 at 8:57 am

I have just come across this site again with chilling reminders of stalag Pendragon, reading the posts from passed boys brought it flooding back. I do recognise some of the names Robin Gordon being one of you, if anyone is still out there would love to hear from you. Have travelled extensively over the past 50 years but now settled in Kent.
Best wishes to the old survivors from the Pen.
Paul Pocock.

Pendragon 1960-1965

posted by Paul Pocock on 17 Jan 2017 at 8:57 am

I have just come across this site again with chilling reminders of stalag Pendragon, reading the posts from passed boys brought it flooding back. I do recognise some of the names Robin Gordon being one of you, if anyone is still out there would love to hear from you. Have travelled extensively over the past 50 years but now settled in Kent.
Best wishes to the old survivors from the Pen.
Paul Pocock.

Pendragon 1960-1965

posted by Paul Pocock on 17 Jan 2017 at 8:57 am

I have just come across this site again with chilling reminders of stalag Pendragon, reading the posts from passed boys brought it flooding back. I do recognise some of the names Robin Gordon being one of you, if anyone is still out there would love to hear from you. Have travelled extensively over the past 50 years but now settled in Kent.
Best wishes to the old survivors from the Pen.
Paul Pocock.

September 1964 Until The End Of Pendragon

posted by Mark Sandeman on 08 Feb 2017 at 7:43 pm

Having recently moved back from Cornwall to the Bexhill area after 13 years, I recently wanted to re-visit the old site of Pendragon School on the corner of Elmstead road, the area the flats there now seem to have taken more than the old school had, even with the outside classrooms and ACF brick store room there, time does distort things though.
I didn't go down to Winchester house down the road as it has already been changed to flats the last time I went there, the outside fire escape has been modernised I think, I was in one of the downstairs dorm with Davis, Vogel, Macmillan and Harrison and someone else but can't remember now, towards the end of my time at school we all went up to the main school where I was along with Elwood and his Steve Marriott haircut and the boy who hid his big amplifier in the wardrobe, and a Lebanese boy called Beau, I think, maybe the two Persian boys as well.
Robin Gordon I certainly remember, I went to stay with him and his mum in Portsmouth for a few days in 1966 World Cup week, I certainly also remember the school band playing at Ancaster House one sunny afternoon.
Wet Saturday and Sundays were a bit drab in the winter around Bexhill, if one had enough money we could go to Hastings on a Saturday afternoon to the Witch Doctor club and listen to the soul music playing there, also the two cinemas there were a good afternoon out , I remember seeing The Beatles 'Help' film there once, brilliant !!
Anybody remember The Continental cafe on the sea front at Bexhill playing James Brown, and drinking coffee in those glass coffee cups ?, or the Wimpy bar, proper hamburgers then.
Did you know Wards the outfitters is still in Devonshire road, we all use to buy casual gear there to wear, buttoned down collars etc.
I was lucky not to have experienced the dodgy things that were metered out to some people, I think that had finished by then, I just thought it was quite fun being there towards the end, listening to Mr Langridge chatting about the war in class lessons and remembering his pale Mini traveller with his address in Australia 'Wollongong' painted with small lettering on the drivers door.
Anybody remember organised walks to the woods near the old Crowhurst viaduct which we played on, or the Beehive sweet shop in old town, I wasn't brave enough to go to the pub there slipping out at night from Winchester house.
One more thing, I see Charles Snetter is doing well in Liberia, I thought he was quite 'cool' with his music.
Well that's all for now, I shall probably have more memories one day, hope it wasn't too long !!
Mark F Sandeman, February 2017.

50yrs+

posted by Barry Scowen on 11 Feb 2017 at 4:11 pm

Just met up with my old school mate Dave Trotter,he found me after my appeal on This site.Had a great chat very little about The Pen save for doing kitchen duty and being caned,cold and hungry.

1964-to The End #2

posted by Mark Sandenan on 17 Feb 2017 at 9:22 pm

...did any one go to the Central cafe in Bexhill on Saturday afternoons for ham, egg and chips for 1/9p ??
The guy who had the big amplifier hidden in the dorm at main school was Tubbs, ...who were the guys that went over to Charters Towers one night and bought some girls back ??

Mr Mcdonald.

posted by Ted Emson on 03 Mar 2017 at 12:25 am

The Headmaster who interviewed me was Mcdonald ,can't remember any of the teachers but can remember the science lab was in some new builds at the back of the main building.My best friend was Plilip Effner who lived up by the hospital and like me was a day boy,there was also the Carter brothers ,Memory is shot to pieces so things are a lot hazy about the school.

Mark Sandenan

posted by Graham Tubbs on 23 Jun 2017 at 5:37 am

I remember you Mark,the parties at my dads house ,my sister went out with Neil Night for a short time. I'm afraid I. got expelled from Pendragon along with David Barnett!We got caught in the girls dorm at charters towers,I'm living in Hythe Kent these days. My e mail is graham1@hotmail.co.uk

Mark Sandenen

posted by Graham Tubbs on 23 Jun 2017 at 5:58 am

I put the wrong e mail down its grahamtubbs1@hotmail.co.uk it would nice to catch up.

Re: School Reunion

posted by kapanocity on 03 Aug 2017 at 9:34 am

Hi,
Could Alan Lawson or Christopher Hughes, both formerly from Pendragon, contact me on 01634829161 please, at their convenience?
Kind Regards K.

Kapanocity

posted by Christopher Hughes on 30 Dec 2017 at 7:02 am

This is the first time that I have been on this site and I see that there is a message for me but the reference Kapanocity means nothing to me.

I was at Pendragon from 60 to 62.

I am very much out of touch with England as I came out to South Africa in December 1970.

Of course I would like to hear from anyone that remembers me.

For Brothers Maxwell, Mark & Chris

posted by Lance Barry on 14 Mar 2018 at 3:58 pm

I have just come accross this site and saw Mark at the top was in Pendragon same years as me, (Sept 55 - April 57). I was a day pupil living in Bexhill with my mother - my father being away in the RN on HMS Illustrious for the 18 months.
I have a school photo with only 24 boys on it plus 3 teachers - but I seem to remember there were 32 boys in total.
I never received any of the aforementioned "grief" from Baylis as such - but I did have to sit on my bum on the floor once for 3 hours along with all the other schoolboys.
This was punishment for a pupil writing some derogatory remarks about something, (a teacher maybe? - I don't remember exactly what was written) on a school foilet wall with the rubber on the end of the toilet chain. If nobody owned up this was to be the punishment - for all the pupils No one did own up, but now I can admit it was me. The teachers brought it down to 2 pupils - me or another one and seem to think they were pretty sure it was me, but despite their grilling I refused to own up.
Do you remember this incident, Mark? If so - my apologies, but I was terrified what might happen to me if I did own up!!

Memories

posted by PAUL PALMER on 15 Mar 2018 at 11:35 am

My name is Paul Palmer I was a day boy at Pendragon between 1960 and 64 ( 7 - 10 years of age ). I remember the beating in front of the school and being to scared to look. The day we were all told we could not go home until someone owned up for a stolen item. The boxing , outdoor swimming , cross country runs , cold showers,. Fish and chips after Winchester house won a trophy. I remember Phillip Efner and went to his house for tea. Amazingly I still have my old school reports and school photos for 60 to 63.

I currently live in Danehill near Hayward Heath and would be interested in attending any future reunion.

Colditz Revisited

posted by Howard White on 22 Mar 2018 at 5:11 pm

Paul S Palmer (according to school news letter March 1963-gives the school list of boys) name sounds a bit familiar, see posting dated13 March 2008 on this site for more info. about my school record.
Also in my class (think ) Robin Dann friend, Horrobin, Hustwayte, Nurse minor ? Whyte, Archer, Karl White. Also remember going to school assembly to be informed class mate had sadly died of leukemia ? Mrs Baylis was my first form teacher , I was also youngest boy in the school --and survived !
By the way newsletter gives details death of head Bayliss and I well remember school closure (day boys) due to snow. Would be interested any school photos 1962/1963 if someone could put on website like the school1958 photo--thanks H

The Pendragon Reunion

posted by David on 27 Mar 2018 at 8:08 pm

Hello!
After all the post's on this site no-one has mentioned the dreaded Kitchen Duty.I hated it,If I remember correctly Ganbrill and Kitchingman spent half their school life on duty,perhaps they where the only two that never complained of hunger.Would love to hear of your memories.

School Photos

posted by PAUL PALMER on 28 Mar 2018 at 11:34 am

Hi Howard

I have school photos for 1960,61,62 AND 64. Not 63 . I have tried to join Facebook page but still awaiting acceptance. If you would like me to send you any or all of the above give me your e mail address. My e mail is : ppalmer025@gmail.com. all the best Paul

Why?

posted by Barry Scowen on 19 Apr 2018 at 1:02 pm

I'm sure this ha crossed the minds of many pupils of the Baylis era,
Where the teaching staff so useless that they couldn't gain employment elsewhere?
The kitchen staff and others weren't stupid,
Why didn't someone who knew the punishments being handed out report the sadistic bastard,I lay as much blame on them as Baylis himself.

Hill Brow School

posted by David on 22 May 2018 at 7:20 pm

Anybody have an info on this school in Eastbourne before June 1940?

Pendragon Staff Etc

posted by Steve Clark on 02 Sept 2018 at 2:04 pm

Bary's question is more complex than it seems.

Firstly, all ot the staff I can recall at the school were either young and unqualified (Dove, Cable, Humph/Handlebury Hood - Don't remember his actual name. Actually quite a nice guy, took over from Cable); were old and past it (Prof Macintosh, Edmonds, Morris) or were otherwise damaged in some way and only marginaly employable elsewhere(Reid, Gough, Mrs B-B)) The middle group, including Barker-Bennett, arguably the worst maths teacher ever anywhere, were Baylis's cronies from other questionable Hastings/Bexhill private schools; the others were probably either in awe of Baylis and/or scared of him because of their doubtful employment potential.

Secondly the, the legendary beatings didn't, as far as I can make out, begin till quite late on. I left in July 61 and although there certainly were quite severe beatings - I was beaten myself, though only moderately - and saw the backside of at least one boy (Davies) which had been badly cut with a spintered bamboo cane and amateuristically "repaired" with plastic skin by Baylis, I can only recall 2 "public" beatings, one at Cantaloupe Road and one at Hastings road and both were minor, 3 or 4 strokes, over trousers with the "audience" - literally in the circumstances! - facing the other way.

So although there WERE serious beatings - one Old Boy I met comparatively recently was vociferously adamant that he had seen Spencer beaten (folklore has it that he got 40 strokes!) and seen his "arse" afterwards - and although they were brutally and sickly sadistic and are justifiably remembered with horror, I'm not convinced they were anything like weekly termly or even annual events but I may be wrong about that. And it needs to be remembered that in the 50s and 60s the cane was considered a normal educational tool.

But there WAS a sadism problem - in that and many other ways - and in the modern world Baylis would perhaps have been found out and jailed, as he should have been then, but I think it was smaller in extent ie number of serious incidents, than is generally believed.
That said, one such incident was too many and there are now ageing men, myself amongst them who still have ghosts to lay, and that cannot be healthy.

School Beatings

posted by Barry Scowen on 17 Oct 2018 at 8:11 am

Steve Clarke, Folklore is always exaggerated,Spencer received 20 strokes. Innes,Trotter, and I received 12 strokes each for Singing in the street.all ending up with bloody underpants, all laundry was sorted by the school matron so she must have known the severity of the beatings and like the rest kept her mouth shut.
As for the teachers,rubbish save for Mr Bull and Young Nr Peacock, and a guy after your time called Hales

Yes

posted by Steve Clark on 31 Oct 2018 at 12:56 pm

Agree. It was bloody savage as was thementaltorture that went on muchof the time.

Baylis

posted by Barry scowen on 11 Nov 2018 at 11:51 pm

Mental torture,Remember those times when Baylis was on the prowl,morning bell goes,everyone out of bed and he would look into the dorms,walk around the corridors without saying a word,none of the boys spoke,whole school in silence,bloody tension in the air so bloody cruel.

The Abyss '64- '67

posted by Ralph Wallis on 27 Dec 2018 at 6:24 pm

Dear God what an awful place even during the MacDonald years.

Looking For Bridget Brown

posted by Nader Saebi on 08 Sept 2019 at 9:39 pm

I attended Pendragon School during sixty's and was friended by a lovely girl from Charles Towers school
found a note on this site she was trying to contact me.
I would love to hear from her.

Johnny Martin

posted by Nader Saebi on 10 Sept 2019 at 2:40 pm

Hi John,
I was thrilled to see your post on this site it has been a while since those good old days (haha)
I moved to the U.S. since 1969 would love to hear from you
my email address
johnnader@att.net

1960-62 Vintage

posted by Stuart Robertson on 07 Dec 2019 at 5:38 am

Hi all,
I don't know if any of you remember me as Stuart Robertson and was at Pendragon from 1960-62
As cruel as we all can be as adolescents, I may have been remembered as Poxie or Golly
After 57 years, I have spent the most interesting couple of hours going over this dialogue.
The names after all these decades flood back and while we are all retired and spread across the Planet, (I now live in New Zealand) the stories and tales from those awful days and experiences have it appears, had quite an effect on our subsequent lives.
I, like some of you shared the brutality of Paul Baylis, I got beaten regularly even though I was a Chorister (one of the chosen few!) and have letters and diaries that prove the Hell and pain we all went through.
My email is sj.robertson@xtra.co.nz and after all these decades, it would be great to hear from any of you who remember me.
Regards to you all

Old Pendragon Boy

posted by Barry Scowen on 24 Dec 2019 at 4:40 pm

Stuart,I can't remember you, but I have just received a Christmas message from Rashidi living in his homeland Iran.

Remembering Micky Bull

posted by John Scott-Morgan on 26 Dec 2019 at 3:23 am

Micky Bull later went on to teach at Brickwall Down House School, Northiam, now Frewin College.
I liked him, he was probably one of the best teachers I have ever known, a very kind and understanding man.
I attended Brickwall Down House School, from April 1968 to December 1970.
He retired to Whitby in Yorkshire with his wife and later returned south to live.
He died in 2011.

Remembering Micky Bull

posted by Barry Scowen on 31 Dec 2019 at 4:39 pm

Thanks for the info John, Yes Mickey was the most genuine guy at the Pen, he was the stand out teacher and a lovely man.R.I.P Mickey.

It's Good To Read About You All

posted by Stuart Urquhart on 11 Aug 2020 at 2:50 pm

It's great to see that you're all doung well, me and my son found this site whilst we were reminiscing at the pub. Half a century on may the good times roll.

It's Good To Read About You All

posted by Stuart Urquhart on 11 Aug 2020 at 2:50 pm

It's great to see that you're all doung well, me and my son found this site whilst we were reminiscing at the pub. Half a century on may the good times roll.

It's Good To Read About You All

posted by Stuart Urquhart on 11 Aug 2020 at 2:50 pm

It's great to see that you're all doung well, me and my son found this site whilst we were reminiscing at the pub. Half a century on may the good times roll.

Pendragon - YUK

posted by Michael White on 07 Sept 2020 at 7:36 pm

Hi - This is Mike White the once head boy that hankered for going to sea and did. Spent a bunch of years at sea with various companies, did 6yrs in the RAF Marine Branch and then spent the rest of my career in the marine industry but mostly ashore. Now living in the US.
Recognize several names in the messages - Rashidi, Poynter, Cotterall and many of the staff.

Yes it was a real nasty place and agree with all the things said about Bayliss and others - He told me that a scar on his ankle was from a bullet when he was flying a Spitfire in WW2!!!

Another story - One of the masters, a big guy (taught math ? ) in the classroom on the right just inside the front door, threw a blackboard compass (with the big spike on one arm) at a pupil coming in late. Fortunately the pupil backed away and the spike completely penetrated the door panel!! Happy Days!!!

Anyway if anyone out there knows me I'm at anglotex@hotmail.com

Mike.
Beaumont, Texas.

Looking For Bridget Brown

posted by NADER SAEBI on 04 Nov 2020 at 11:21 pm

Bridget Brown, If by chance you get back on this site again please give me a call
I live in Dallas, Texas would love to hear from you.

johnnader@att.net

469.7671732

Stuart Urquhart

posted by Graham Tubbs on 08 Nov 2020 at 11:41 pm

I remember you Stuart I think we were in the same dorm as me! good ol' days I live in Hythe Kent happerly retired it would be nice to here from you🥂

Pendragon Pupil 1961/2

posted by David on 16 Nov 2021 at 11:51 pm

What about a history of the school? I've just finished one of the school I went to next in Folkestone - Westbrook House School.

Which David

posted by Barry Scowen on 09 Dec 2021 at 12:12 pm

Hello David,I’m sure a history sounds an excellent idea.

Fading Memories

posted by Tim Lee on 28 Apr 2022 at 10:18 pm

I'm sort of an imposter here - having never attended Pendragon - but I did go there a few times. I now have my bus-pass.
My Grandfather was a certain Ranald Macdonald - who I remember as always being called MAC, and teaching Maths. He's long dead now. It was a more brutal time.
Mac eventually retired to Derbyshire and used to hike incessantly in the Peak District, as it was the only way he could cope with the physical (and psych damage) of being gassed in WW1 or possibly the Spanish Civil War. Times were brutal then.
I have early childhood memories of Pendragon school, and of the school being demolished, and also memories of brutal corporal punishment where I was schooled - but I never told my parents about it. Times were just different.
Best wishes to you all
PS I also have memories of a stunning windmill in Bexhill but that also seems to have disappeared

Bexhill 59 To 62

posted by Vic lupton on 29 Apr 2022 at 11:46 pm

Hi All I just discovered this site. A bit late !! I'm on vlupton@argyleapartments.com.au if anyone wants to say hello. Good to hear Baylis dead. I went back to punch him in the face but too late. Nigel Cross, Fellows, swap, little McDonald, Victor Cousins, and many others

1961 School Photo

posted by Wendy Turnbull on 06 Aug 2022 at 5:40 pm

I have just come across a long school photo Pendragon School 1961 in very good condition. Also Tuition Fee Bills 1962-4.
I would like it to go to someone who has a connection with the school.
Please contact me if interested and I will post them to you.

Follow Up 2023

posted by Harvey William Lee on 10 Mar 2023 at 10:09 am

I was there 1961 to 1964. If you were in the first 10 at running you got hot showers. We used to make out with the girls from Charters Towers . Their sience lab was at the back of our school. Paul Baylis got married to a lady with 2 children sold the school and went to Switzerland and died of cancer.

Follow Up 2023

posted by Harvey William Lee on 10 Mar 2023 at 10:28 am

I was there 1961 to 1964. If you were in the first 10 at running you got hot showers. We used to make out with the girls from Charters Towers . Their sience lab was at the back of our school. Paul Baylis got married to a lady with 2 children sold the school and went to Switzerland and died of cancer.

Reunion

posted by garry coffey on 18 Mar 2023 at 12:45 pm

Are there there any left that attended the reunion in Couden bay

Pendragon School 60's

posted by Paul Pocock on 13 Apr 2023 at 4:36 pm

Hi Garry,

Just came across this message board.

I attended the dreaded Pendragon School in the 60's.

I would be interested if anyone has any school photos from that time. I'm writing a very brief part of that time in my memoirs.

Cheers,

Paul.

School Photos

posted by howard white on 16 Apr 2023 at 3:49 pm

Hello suggest you look at e mail dated 28 March 2018--Paul sent me some school photos 61 62 ish-also if you knew a Robin Dann-do possibly remember you.Howard

Photos

posted by howard white on 16 Apr 2023 at 3:54 pm

Hello do have school list Jan 63 & March 1963-with a PH Pocock-happy to send copy if you post your e mail address. Howard

What Year Roadshow Event Do I Still Save

posted by roadshow on 03 May 2023 at 8:09 am

I remember there were pictures taken during the class roadshow. Hope it can be of help to you.

Old Pupils From Pendragon School 1954

posted by Pat Marsden on 04 Aug 2023 at 4:03 pm

Are there any ex pupils of Pendragon Boys school that where there in 1954 ish? I am trying to reunite a photo album and I have photos that I can send.

Pendragon

posted by Tim Griffiths on 28 Aug 2023 at 4:02 pm

I was a dayboy at Pendragon during 1953-61 (approx) and so missed the worst aspects of that sorry place, which may have been reserved for the boarders. I have read the posts above and can only say they bring back horrendous memories. I eventually went on strike because I was so unhappy and refused to go back. I was moved to Normandale in Bexhill and had the time of my life. I couldn't imagine you were allowed to be happy at school. It's strange how at that stage in your life you can assume that brutal teachers are normal.
I remember our French teacher who had the whole class flogged by Baylis (or maybe they shared the pleasure) just for not doing their homework when he had forgotten to set any. Sadistic bastards.
The school doctor was a friend of my father's and I'm surprised he didn't get the place closed down. The stories of plastic skin to repair thrashed behinds are quite true.
I wasn't there when Baylis flogged a boy in front of the whole school for eating on the train, but it doesn't surprise me.
I had heard rumours that Baylis was being blackmailed by sone boy's parents for what he got up to and that he may not have died from cancer. Good riddance anyway.
How times have changed.

Dark Days

posted by Nigel on 27 Feb 2024 at 6:45 pm

I can't believe the abuse we suffered. Physical beatings, masters roaming the dormitories late at night touching where they had no right. If I could track down Geoffrey Towner he would spend the rest of his life in jail.

Pendragon School Archive

posted by Gordon Minor on 17 Apr 2024 at 11:33 am

Trying to put together an archive of photos, anecdotes, paperwork.
Please get in touch. Everything will be included in a book on the history of the school which is in preparation.

Pendragon School Archive

posted by howard white on 19 Apr 2024 at 7:56 am

Have January 1963-The School List-we have-
Gordon NC
Gordon DC
Gordon RJ
If you have contact e mail please supply.
Thanks Howard-I posted 13 March 08

1963 School List

posted by David on 20 Apr 2024 at 2:05 pm

Hi Howard

Any chance of a copy?

David

1963 School List

posted by David on 20 Apr 2024 at 2:07 pm

Hi Howard

Any chance of a copy?

David

School List

posted by howard white on 20 Apr 2024 at 4:21 pm

Yes-put your e mail address on this noticeboard-have Jan and March 1963-which one ?

1960-62

posted by Paul Pocock on 10 Jun 2024 at 10:42 am

I have read many of the stories above and agree that we were subjected to a Dickensian style, disciplinarian regime which has gone untold. I have started to document my experiences while there if anyone wishes to share or add their experiences or has photographs from that time I would be most grateful.

Paul Thornton-Allan
alias: Paul Pocock

1958 School Photo

posted by Robert Nichols on 02 Oct 2024 at 3:22 pm

I am the proud owner of a May 1958 school photo, I am pictured in the back row third from the right. I was 6 when the photo was taken and a day boy. I was only at Pendragon for a short time probably less than a year. I remember a boy being caned in the hall but my recollection is of "6 of the best". As I looked back, even before I heard about the sadism, my recollection was of educational incompetence for example because I was and am a big boy I was put in a class around 2 years older than I was! Glad I escaped to Orpington initially to a prep school that was OK but then escaped the "private sector" into an environment where there are girls and the teachers are all qualified and mostly competent!!

Recollections

posted by Roger Leddington on 03 Oct 2024 at 4:22 pm

Does anyone recall Leddingtons major (Roger), minor (Peter) and minimus (John) in the mid-1950s? We were day students (American/English). Pete got caned severely and we left the school shortly after that. I seem to remember an English teacher, Mr. Mathews, who asked me to go buy him some Woodbines and it was while I was out that Pete got beaten.
Apc any recollections.