Sandown School

posted by Dimitri Griliopoulos on 10 Aug 2009 at 9:24 am

For your information there are lots of comments about Sandown School in the stream http://www.discoverbexhill.com/messageboard/index.php?messageid=197
which started off discussing John Logie Baird's son and ending on the school. This was originally posted August 2007. I have just added to this stream, but thought Sandown School needed its' own entry just in case there is anyone out there!

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Sandown School Pupil

posted by Robert Turner on 29 Mar 2010 at 11:04 am

I went to Sandown School from 1949 - 1952/3. I wonder how many of us are still out there !
My memories are fading but I still have a number of school photos and fond memories of sports days and rest periods. I was in Bexhill recently and did a drive by only to find that the school building no longer exists but a housing estate bearing the name Sandown has replaced the School.

Sandown

posted by margotgordon on 29 Jul 2010 at 9:12 am

I went there when I was 3 and a half in about 1959. I was the youngest there. my elder sister was there as well at the same time. I would love to trace my friend Deidre Fitzgerald whose family lived nearby. her mother had tragically died too early and her papa and her two brothers lived in a magnificent house on a hill. I think the road name had 'Pevensey' in it but I could be imagining that. I remember the road curled up to their house and there may have been a windmill as part of their home

Sandown School 1954-6

posted by Robert Stone on 05 Aug 2010 at 3:44 pm

Now that I've realised there is a separate thread for Sandown, I'll post the same message here as I did on another part of the website! I've found three school photos from 1954, 1955 and 1956, which have only pupils (no staff) but reveal the following boring statistics (remembering that some pupils may have been away when the photos were taken!). Total in school, respectively, 92, 102, 96. Ratio of boys to girls 61-28, 67-34, 54-40 (there being one or two pupils obscured, and so unclassifiable, in each photo). I regret to say I kept up with no one in the school!

Sandown School

posted by John R H Bond on 07 Feb 2011 at 8:02 pm

I attended Sandown School from 1947-1951 and have happy memories of Tony & Peggy Sulman & their father "Big Bear". Coincidentally my mother-in-law was at Sandown in the 1920's. I enjoyed cricket, soccer and going to the Bexhill baths to learn to swim. It was an excellent school and I was very sad when the land was sold for development in the late 60's or early 70's. Tony was a friend of my father and they spent many great times together discussing cricket.

Pre- Sandown School

posted by John R H Bond on 08 Feb 2011 at 9:19 pm

Before going to Sandown School in 1951, I attended a Nursery School which I believe was in Sutherland Avenue. I recall its name was Denzil School or something like this. Anyone out there have any memories of such a school? We lived at 18A Sea Road, a flat above a Women's Clothing shop.

Bond...John Bond

posted by Peter Gilbertson on 02 Apr 2011 at 5:07 pm

John if you see this I was there with you when you were Captain of Cricket and I kept wicket. I still have the photograph of you and I sitting together in the team photo!

Wonderful sporting school thanks to Tony and Peggy. I have a great friend who is the son of Tony's friend who came each year to hold the tape on sports day.

Kindest regards

Peter Gilbertson.

Peter Gilbertson

posted by John R H Bond on 06 Apr 2011 at 2:05 pm

Dear Peter What super news! Of course I remember you, I am trying to unearth my Sandown photos. I recall school photos but not team ones. It would be great to have a copy if it is possible.
The Sulman's ran a wonderful school, I have the happiest memories of Sandown and stayed in touch with Tony Sulman through my father until Tony died in the mid-70's. I worked with Anthony Russell who was at Sandown the same time as we were, and have been in touch with Averil Waters, another contemporary. Best wishes, John

John Bond And Co.

posted by Peter Gilbertson on 23 May 2011 at 5:12 pm

John, how good to see your return message in April. I have been searching for that Cricket Team photo that I mentioned... without success at present. However, I spoke to a friend of mine whose father was evidently a friend of your father and Tony S. ... Frank Finn-Kelcey from Buckinghamshire. He also thought you were a relation of the Radmore family, our mutual friends who had Sandown connections.

I still have a letter which Tony wrote to my parents following the suggestion that my Granmother would purchase me a cricket bat. Tony's reply was in this day and age completely politically incorrect and sexist, wherein he wrote back stating that "old ladies would not have a clue about buying cricket bats for small boys and he would do it".. he did and granny paid!

I shall need your address and e mail when I find this photograph so perhaps you could advise. mine is peter@coachhousegreta.co.uk

Kind regards

Peter

1953-55

posted by peter Legg on 01 Jun 2011 at 10:06 am

I recently looked for Sandown School on a visit to Bexhill. I presume the house was pulled down, I remember the flint/pebble wall at the front. I would like to hear from anyone who was at the school 1953-1955. I have letters I wrote to my parents, which reflect life at the school;swimming sports and birthday cakes.

Sandown, Bexhill On The Sea 1927

posted by Janis Marks on 11 Jan 2012 at 9:08 pm

I'm wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of where to find historical information about the school.

My father, Peter Peterson attended the school from about 1927- ? He is going to be 90 years old this March so his memory is a little vague, but we'd love to fill in the blanks from this period of his life.

We live in Canada so first hand research will be difficult.

We appreciate any help or information you can offer.

Regards...Janis Marks

SANDOWN SCHOOL

posted by Susie King on 01 Feb 2012 at 7:04 pm

When my late mother, Eleanor Pym, was deciding on what name to give the house she was buying in the mid-70s, she chose ?Sandown? as she said those days were the happiest she remembered in all the years she lived in the town. At the time I was a pupil there (1956-59), we lived only a few hundred yards away at 26 Hastings Road, opposite Charters Towers.

Like others, I have many and vivid memories of Sandown, for the most part (but not exclusively!) extremely happy. Tony and Peggy (who had played international hockey with my mother in the 30s) presided over a unique school from which I went to a prep school in Cooden - Portsdown Lodge - which, after Sandown, was quite a shock on several levels..

One of the photographs permanently on display on the piano in my study is Sandown School in 1959, and I can put names to nearly two dozen faces, amongst them Angela Minns, Jane Tyer, Nick Perry, Kate Morrison, Frances Price, Pamela Pouncey, Caroline Winterbottom, Jill Longley, Christine and Philip Madeley, Brian and Sabine Jones, Sally Emerson, Michael Haig and Gillian Taylor; the majority of the rest are (aggravatingly) on the tip of my tongue.

The two Sandown memories that got repeated most often down the years in my family were firstly of my mother walking the dog behind the cricket field on an afternoon when Tony was supervising a game; she heard him shout to me (busy making a daisy chain) ?Pym, which is the furthest point on this field from where I am standing?? and when I had indicated it to him ?Well, GO AND STAND THERE!? On another occasion Peggy walked me home after lunch as I was, apparently, feeling extremely queasy after eating ?pink blancmange?. My mother, not given to indulging such whims, was all for sending me back to school but Peggy stood her ground and told her that she entirely sympathised with my dislike of pink blancmange and that I should be allowed to stay at home and recover from it!
Walking to school in the morning was not without its hazards as I remember having to dodge the boarders? skipping ropes as they played on the pavement outside and I?m afraid to say that I dreaded having to drink the milk that was compulsory at break time ? waiting for us in crates in 1/3 pint bottles and always at room temperature. Lovely memories of sports? days including the fathers? race and the school barge (which, rather surprisingly, I won once and was presented with a large plastic boat) and swimming in the salt water pool in Egerton Road.

Although I regularly visit Bexhill and am in touch with a number of local friends from those dim and distant days, I would be thrilled to hear news of ? or even better, meet again - Sandown contemporaries, and I will visit the Discover Bexhill site from time to time to see if any of them are out there!

Sandown

posted by Sally Hayes (nee Emerson) on 25 Feb 2012 at 9:23 pm

John Bond sent me this link and I was riveted to see the list of names, including mine!, that you remembered in your old Sandown school photo. I can remember almost all of those you mentioned and still see their faces. I am very much in touch with Jill Kinlock (Longley.
I distinctly remember the pink and white blancmange as I just couldn't get it down nor the 'drainpipes with golden syrup and, worst of all, suet pudding. What a happy school though and I particularly remember: sugar mice on one's birthday and choosing the hymn, sports day, dancing lessons,and cartoons and boxing on Saturday mornings. The staff too: Peggy and Tony of course and fierce Mrs. Sulman as well as Radish, Gracie, Norky, Miss Smith and Miss Warburton. I am quite surprised at how much I remember....it must have made a great impression!

Sandown History Compiled

posted by Malcolm Baird on 12 Mar 2012 at 1:01 pm

Three years ago I compiled a 19-page history of Sandown school. This contained the basic history of the school plus a few pictures plus many contributions from "old Sandonians" recollecting the early days, going back to the school's time in Cornwall. Anyone who is interested in seeing this effort may write to me c/o this website and I can send them an electronic copy (pdf) at no charge. I have been living in Canada since 1967 but revisited Bexhill a few years ago.

Attention: Malcolm Bird

posted by Janis Marks on 28 Mar 2012 at 4:15 am

Hi Malcolm,
I'm most interested in learning about the history of Sandown School. My father was a boarding student there from 1926 to 1929. At the age of 90, his memories are sketchy but we would love to know more. My father still has school invoices for term fees. If you're interested I'm happy to forward you a copy for your files.
BTW....We also live in Canada.
Warmest Regards,
Janis Marks

Sandown School Circa 1958

posted by david hawhorn on 03 Apr 2012 at 8:20 am

I wonder if my name is one of those on the tip of Rosie King's tongue.

I was at the school in about 1958 with my sister Caroline Hawthorn who is two and a half years older than me.

We boarded occasionally and I remember skipping and doing exercises I think at the front of the school where there may have been rhodedendron bushes and a monkey puzzle tree.
I remember boxing,breakfasts with scrambled egg on cornflakes, figs and cod liver oil capsules.
Sports day was always sunny on the lovely sports fields (which presumably have been built on) . Mothers race, shoes off and dresses hitched into knickers !

A partial solar eclipse viewed uncomprehendingly through smoked glass.

I think Dmitri Griliopoulos was in my class and also Sabine .

I loved learning Dmitri's name and inevitably we called him Grilled Octopus or Grillyoctopus I hope more with affection than mockery. Now certainly the former.

Sandown School

posted by Michael Keat on 01 May 2012 at 11:44 am

I have a letter written to my grandfather from"Dorothy" at Sandown School in 1949.
I believe she was either a member of staff, a housekeeper or office staff.
Is anyone aware of a person with that Christian name and would the surname Round mean anything?

Bexhill 1950s & 1960s Reunion

posted by Susie Pym (King) on 29 May 2012 at 3:25 pm

I am helping to organise a reunion lunch in Bexhill in the autumn specifically for those of us who lived in Bexhill as children in the 50s/teenagers in the 60s. Although this isn't by any means a Sandown-only occasion, if anyone reading this who lived in the town in those days and was at Sandown in the 50s would like to get in touch with me by email, please do!

Suzie King 1959

posted by David Charlesworth on 14 Jun 2012 at 6:23 pm

I must have been at the school in 1959.

I remember Dimitri's name, Caroline Winterbottom, boxing with a small, dark wiry man, who hit you on the nose but not too hard??

We could have jars of honey sent to us but then had to share them with everyone on our table.

The endless summer terms sizzleing on the beach with our coating and smell of vinegar.

I hated boarding, having a civilised home with good food. I am interested to note how much of the hideous boarding experience has been completely blanked out! I thought we read while lying on the floor with the two statutory sweets.

I avoided being beaten, and remember watching television in Tony's mothers room??

best wishes,
David Charlesworth

Sandown

posted by John Ross on 15 Oct 2012 at 11:25 am

I spent two years at Sandown before going on the Dragon in 1952. I too remember the milk; and also leaking biros; compulsory rests; the children cut by broken glass when the driver scraped a tree on the way to the swimming-pool; polishing pennies on the beach; and the French fighting the English in a hay-field at the back of the school.
My parents kept one of my Sandown reports and it does not make pretty reading; I am not sure if they held on to it because it was the best I received or the worst.
Being in the area today, my wife and I were going to drive over to Sandown until I read about the housing estate; better to leave the memories as they are.
I would be very interested to read Malcolm Baird's history; well done him.

Sandown School

posted by Ian Wallace on 16 Nov 2012 at 6:44 am

I was at Sandown School boarding in between 1960 and 1964 with my two brothers James and Tom. Tony Sulman was a memorable HM (got caned by him twice, deserved it) and recall the baked bread crusts, summer sports days (real silver medals) and walks. I still see my oldest friend from time to time, Willy Lyth and recall also Caroline Haines, Alastair Flood, Ian Williams, Guy Fetto, the Shubber brothers (who also went on to Ascham, Eastbourne College Prep). Fond memories

Sandown School 1951-1953

posted by Michael combe on 18 Apr 2013 at 8:25 am

I was planning doing a trip to Bexhill on Sea ...rather sad to hear that School no longet there .lovely to read all the above messages.....I have happy memories ..Coronation Year /Everest being conquered ,announcement at breakfast ....all the bunting for the coronation ....learning to swim at the public baths ...the leather Belt ,when u were naughty ...the French table where u had to speak only French at meals !!! .a lot of one now distant memories .....I do have a school photo 1953 ....

Sandown School

posted by Michael Radmore on 21 May 2013 at 5:31 pm

I have just discovered this web site whilr trying to look in to Peggy Sulman's cricket career.

The Radmores are cousins of the Sulmans and my Father Guy my elder sister Elizabeth and my younger sister Sally all went there. I went in 1955 as a 5 year old!

Mary Radmore who taught French and broke rulers on the back of naughty boys hands was our Great Aunt.

In my Grandfather's time so many of the family were in India and elsewhere abroad that Sulman started a school where many of the children remained during the holidays (hence the beach hut). The Sulmans were very keen on sports and although I never spent any holidays there I gather they were good fun with endless games.

Fond memories of a bygone era.

Best wishes

Michael Radmore

Memories Of Sandown School

posted by John Coghill on 09 Jul 2013 at 6:58 pm

I was a boarder at Sandown from 1937 until 1941, including for all the school holidays, and have very many happy memories of the staff, school activities and some of the boys who were with me during this period. I also recall the fun of being evacuated to Bude, Cornwall in 1940. My least happy memory was of being beaten , on a bare bottom, with a dog' lead by old man Sulman and blood being drawn for running away from the school !! I would be pleased to communicate with others who were at the School during this period to share experiences.

Malcolm Baird History

posted by Michael Radmore on 28 Sept 2013 at 2:20 pm

Malcolm
I would be interested to recieve your 19 page history of Sandown School michael.radmore@talk21.com.

John Bond
Are you the John Bond who subsequently went to Ashdown and was with HSBC? Tony Sulman and Billy Williamson were good friends so we both went to two of the same schools but not at the same time!

Sandown Private School, Bexhill On Sea

posted by Sue Middleton on 17 Oct 2013 at 8:54 pm

Does anyone know how I can find information on Sandown school from back in 1930-35. Specifically, I am trying to locate the pupil list and/or descendants of the Master, a chap called S.W. Sulman. I am trying to help an old friend (92 years old) find some long lost friends and relatives. Thanks

S.W. Sulman, Sandown School

posted by Sue Middleton on 17 Oct 2013 at 9:15 pm

Could anyone with info on John & Peggy Sulman, or any of the Sulman family please contact me at suemiddleton[AT]rogers.com I am trying to find information for a 92 year old friend of mine who was at Sandown in the 1920's, he is trying to find his long lost relatives and friends. This is VERY important, so PLEASE email me. I read a post from John Bond, but have no way to contact him. John if you read this please email me. Thanks Sue Middleton, Canada

Sue Middleton

posted by John Bond on 31 Oct 2013 at 1:09 pm

I have just read your message but do not have your email address. I remember Peggy Sulman because she taught while I was at Sandown. Funnily enough my mother-in-law was at Sandown in the 1920's

More Memories Of Sandown School

posted by Murdo Urquhart on 05 Nov 2013 at 8:48 pm

I recently stumbled across this thread and it brought memories flooding back. I would like to add to the memories, in my case from 1965 and 1966.

I too recall the third of a pint of warm milk in the playground at breaktime. I usually drank it, but without much pleasure. Also at breaktime we were given triangles of fresh bread that had been baked to a deep brown in ovens, which I ate with more pleasure. On Sunday evenings I recall that supper was a lovely big bread roll with a totally inadequate knob of butter and an overwhelming dollop of marmite; I always wished that there could be more butter and less marmite. I actually rather liked the drainpipes with golden syrup. I too remember the cod liver oil capsules; yuch, I hated them and tried to avoid eating them by putting them in my blazer pocket and then later bursting them somewhere unsuitable leaving a horrible fishy smell.

Unlike some others, I loved boarding. It was great fun. I have all my reports and some of the remarks written by Tony Sulman are telling. September 1965: Good. Almost too lively. January 1966: Pretty wild at times, but good at heart. May 1966: Pretty good. I am sure any trouble he gets into is only the result of high spirits.

Pillow fighting was a great sport, however it led to trouble. One evening a mass pillow fight was taking place in the dormitory and between us we failed to hear the distinctive giveaway of Tony Sulman’s ‘clump, CLUMP’ footsteps approaching. The door opened and the light went on. Most of the others managed to dive into a bed, however a Swiss boy called Serge Rouser (I wonder what has happened to him) and I were caught flagrante. We were taken in trepidation to his study, expecting the standard punishment, which was the slipper. Standing there in our pyjamas we watched as he delved into a cupboard and brought out the cane. He said words to the effect of “I’ve had enough of you two ...” For a small boy it was a terrifying moment. We took our punishment without tears and returned to the dormitory, to discover that the act of being caned had turned us into heroes. It was all the talk at breakfast the next day and we proudly bared our backsides to our fellow boys and girls alike in the dining room to show off the weals.

Being serious, it was a good school which laid down lifelong foundations in me, for example the beginnings of joined up handwriting. I look at the handwriting of my two sons and wish they could have been given a similar old fashioned foundation.

Ian Wallace

posted by Mary-Louise Hall (Morris) on 30 Dec 2013 at 8:34 pm

My grandmother lived behind your parents house. She was at Sherborne House (I think)... You were in my year at Sandown, I also had a brother called William Morris.

Sandown Memories

posted by Anne williams on 19 Mar 2014 at 11:05 pm

Think I was at Sandown 61-64 with my sister Susan. I remember Ian Wallace, Carolyn Haines , Alistair Flood ,Ian and Rosemary Wiliams and Fiona and Margot Gordon.Also remeber Diana Robins, Harriet Gabb, Jan Puddle and Nitin Mavani.I wonder what happened to you all!
As well as scrambled eggs on cornflakes and
Drain pipes with golden syrup ,what about marmite on fried bread (delicious) and a pale anonymous soup on a Wednesday with a dollop of mashed potato.Yuk!
I can remember clearly Tony Sulman,s cerlump and also being turned over his knee and spanked in front of the whole class! Inspite of that I have v Fond memories of him!! What would be made of that today!,
Does anyone remember Gracie qualifying for Wimbledon and drawing Angela Mortimer on the centre court for her 1st match!

Sandown

posted by michael simpson on 23 May 2014 at 9:34 am

I have just tripped over this site while looking for something else and have so enjoyed reading the posts.
I was at Sandown between 1947 and 1950. I too have very happy memories of the school ( except, like others, being beaten by Tony Sulman) and I do remember you, John Bond and also the other cricketer of our day Richard Pierce. In 1964 I bumped into David Holland who had not changed a bit - just larger. My Mother was at the school in, I think, the late 1920s and she was a cousin in some way of the Radmores so I well remember Mary and her sister Truda de Grouchy. In 1968 I took my wife to look at the school and was sad to find a housing estate.
Michael Simpson

John Bond

posted by Janis Marks on 27 May 2014 at 11:52 pm

Hi John, you mentioned your mother in law was at Sandown in the 1920s.
I'm wondering what her name was at that time?
Is your mother in law still alive?

I'd love to hear stories about Sandown in the 1920's.
My father went there from 1926/27 - 1929.

Janis Marks

posted by John Bond on 18 Jun 2014 at 4:01 pm

Hi Janis
My mother-in-law's name was Diana Whitley, sadly she passed away in 2007. She must have been at Sandown around 1923, she was amused that her son-in-law went there 25 years later. Oddly her only recollection was cress sandwiches for tea! She was born in 1914 so I suspect she did not overlap with your father, she went to school in Switzerland then married in 1938 and lived in what was Malaya until 1957.

Information for book

posted by Jonathan Shellim on 08 Sept 2014 at 11:10 am

Hi everyone
I have just started writing a book about my life...so far and my memories of 60 years ago are thread bare.
I couldn't believe it when I stumbled on this message board having done a search on Google!
I arrived from India in the summer of 1954 and was in Sandown 2 weeks after arrival in the UK.
I must have been there for about 3 years and went onto Hydneye House school.
I cannot remember names of anyone who was at Sandown with me but Dougal McClure spings to mind or have I got this confused with Hydneye?
Can anyone remember doing a play called The Taylor of Gloster?
Was the name of the school up ther road Vine Lodge?
If my name rings a bell from from anyone who was there with me I would love to hear from you.
When did Tony Peggy die. My father and Tony use to enjoy Horse racing and I discovered years later that my father would drive up to Bexhill and go to the races with Tony....and I had no idea

Sandown School 1937-45

posted by Jeremy Rees on 09 Sept 2014 at 12:34 am

My brother David and I were born in Penang, Malaya, and were sent to Sandown School in Bexhill in 1937 for education (this was the habit of most Colonials to send their children to school "back home". I was four years old and David was five. The schools was evacuated to the Penarver Hotel (spelling probably wrong) at the outbreak of World War Two. I remember Mr Sulman (the Great Bear) Mrs Sulman and they had four daughters who apparently all played hockey for England. I remember Peggy and Pat. Fellopw borders included David Piper, Bill Bennet, and Etienne Boileau to name a few. A US army contingent was stationed at Bude (Got any gum, chum?}. Many, many memories and who could forget our teacher the blond and beautiful Sheila Coghill? I would welcome any connections.

Sandown School 1937-41+

posted by Jeremy Rees on 16 Sept 2014 at 12:12 am

Specially for John Coghill who was at Sandown 0ver the same period and was left at the school for term-time and holidays while parents abroad exactly as my brother David and I. I too felt the dog lead from the Great Bear on the bare bottom! Please see my previous entry and reference to Sheila Coghill - I hope I did not put my foot in it! I was only just four years old when deposited unceremoniously at Sandown in 1937. It was heart-breaking for brother David and I as we did not see our parents again until after the war. But many happy memories of Bude. Would love to hear from anyone at Sandown in the same era.

Hello Jeremy Rees

posted by Malcolm Baird on 22 Oct 2014 at 12:50 am

Jeremy -- I was most interested in your message. I think you are just 2 years older than me and your name rings a faint bell. Etienne Boileau's name also rings a bell because it was unusual and roughly translatable as (boil water).

If you would like an electronic copy of my little history of Sandown, let me know at bairdmhi(at)mcmaster.ca.

Sandown Memories 1948-51

posted by Gay McAuley on 31 Dec 2014 at 1:26 pm

So intrigued to find this message thread. I was at Sandown from 1948 to 51 and remember John Bond. I was a "day bug" until the terrifying few weeks when my mother was in hospital and I became a boarder. My friends were Rosanna O'Reilly and Penny Pouncey. I think I was the only pupil to take the 11-plus exam in my year. I was no good at sport, but the school also provided good grounding in French and Latin. Miss Radmore presided over lunch in a room next to the dining room where French was the only language spoken.

1962 To 1963

posted by Lucy Riley on 22 Jan 2015 at 4:11 am

I remember Bill Scully an American who I ran into on a plane years later! also Sarah Hussy, To Gay - I also knew Pamela Pouncey but she did not go to Sandown. I am coming back for the first time in 38 years so would love to be in touch if anyone is still around and was at Sandown during those years. My little sister was named Suzanna with red hair. I have a couple of school photos I can dig out and post if there is a way to do that here. Hope to hear from someone. My email is lulu_godwin@yahoo.com. Thanks.

Sandown, 1945 To 57

posted by Patrick MacLure on 06 Feb 2015 at 10:56 pm

An unexpected pleasure to find this message thread!
My sister Caroline, brother Dougal, and I all boarded at Sandown. Approximate dates: Caroline 45 to 49, me 51 to 53, and Dougal 52 to 57. I think we all have memories (perhaps getting fonder as the years go by!) of Sandown, such as bread and dripping as a special treat (?) for Sunday supper, striking together two stones from the drive to make sparks in the dorm, extra sweets for being good at skipping, playing I Spy (I think) in Radish's French only dining area, having to wear aprons at mealtimes, standing on the lockers to look out of the window if you were expecting a car coming to "take you out" for the day.
Does anyone remember being beaten by Big Bear for making a ball of fluff as a birthday present for "Caps" (Matey's assistant)?
John (Ross), I do remember you, and I was in that bus (double decker) when the driver got too close to the tree. I too remember polishing pennies with sand. Like you, I went on to the Dragon School.
Jonathan (Shellim), you are not wrong; you and Dougal were at Sandown together.
I have school pictures from 52, 53 and 54 and a cricket team photo, probably from 53.

Sandown 1946_1949

posted by Liz COLLlSON on 20 Feb 2015 at 4:45 am

I am on holiday india and looked up information on Peggy Sulman and cricket to tell indian friends and was delighted to find this site. My brother John aged 5 and I aged7 came to Sandown from London and we loved it. My parents bought a flat on the front for holidays. My great friend was Dawn Chettle. We were born on the same day. Liz

Sandown 1963 - Closure

posted by Janet Cameron (Cox) on 07 Mar 2015 at 4:05 pm

My brother Edward & I came from Lagos to Sandown aged 6 & 7. I think we were there because our family friend Margot Gordon (already posted) was there. I have all my letters home & Reports. Our cousins Bill & Susan Cox were there for a term & one my best friends was Paul Trill from Peacehaven. My mum died 4 months ago today, aged 93, so I'm being reminded of lots as I go back thru photos & letters.

This School Was Set Up By My Grandparents

posted by Lizzie Kerkhof-May nee May on 10 Mar 2015 at 6:57 am

Hello All,

Hello, my grandparents set up Sandown school and I have just come across this site. All of my relations attended it at one time or another so I will mention them and give you a brief history of the school and the people who ran it.

I am searching for a boy called Henrick (I don't know his surname) who came and lived with us for 2 years as his parents were traveling as a concert pianist and a singer. I think they lived in Shanghai but I am not sure of this. His birthday was 28th December 1951 and I remember this as he was 2 days older than my brother Nick May. Last I heard he was living in Australia. To me he was and is my missing brother.

Sandown School was set up by my grandparents Agnes( Nessy) and Stanley Sulman and it started in Swanage at Dalston Head.
It was originally a prep school for boys. It got moved to Bude during the second world war and then afterwards moved to Bexhill on sea.

Nessy and Stanley had 7 children. The boys attended the school but the girls had governesses in the nursery.
The children were Tony, Peggy, Betty, Penny, Pat (Mary Patricia) (born 1916), (Tom who died very young) and David.
Tony lost his leg aged 11. He sat on wet grass and for some reason gangrene set in. He was a huge fan of cricket and it must have been devastating to him.
Both Peggy and my mother played international hockey for England and were due to play tennis at Wimbledon, but the second world war broke out and therefor they missed it.

Tony and Peggy took over running the school when my grandparents could no longer do so.

All of my cousins attended the school, including the Radmores mentioned here already.
Micheal please get in touch. I was there with your sister Sally from 1962 - 1968 aged 6 to 8.

Tony and Peggy never married.
Betty Sulman married John Morrison and they had 5 children who all attended, Andrew, Agnes (Annis), Simon, Tom and Kate Morrison.

Penny Sulman married John and they had two children Anne and Richard who both live in Canada now I believe.

David Sulman married Janet and they have 2 children Ella and Robert.

My mother Pat Sulman married Dick May had 4 children Jenny, Anthony, Nick and me Lizzie May.

I was at the end of a long clan of relatives attending the school and was only there from age 6-8 in 1962-68. I never knew my grandfather but my grandmother by then was mainly in her room in a wheelchair suffering with severe arthritis. Peggy developed breast cancer and died and after that the school was sold.

I remember Aunt Mary, Aunt Truda and Uncle Percy who wasn't a real Uncle, but I could never work that one out. Gracie, Warby (Mary Walberton) and Cook. In my time there was a teacher called Avril who I liked but couldn't trust.
My cousin Simon taught me French and he also stood in for my Father in the Father and child race which I loved.
Do you remember crouching down with your blazer over your head and being picked up and put down again as the fathers tried to search for their offspring? I can remember my feet not touching the ground as we flew back over the line.

The family wanted to sell it as another school.
My Father was the only one who said do not be sentimental - builders will develop it into a housing estate, and that is exactly what happened and it broke their hearts. They also sold it for a song and never had much money from it.

I remember lawn tennis, tennis, cricket being made to walk around the field as I couldn't catch the ball.

Doing the rounds which was going around the dorm without touching the floor.

Pink blamonge, rice pudding with hard rice at the bottom and milk with treacle floating on the top and similar with pasta tubes and semolina. I still do not eat any of these things!

The small bottles of warm milk, the baked bread, the sweet plate going round after lunch and having to refuse it if you had been naughty. The playroom which connected the two houses with its wooden floor and locker benches. Rest after lunch and a book being read.
Lying in sick bay watching a crockadile line go down to the beach and wondering why both my parents were going too and why wasn't one of them in here with me reading me a story?

The pebble beach, swimming and the crunch of the stones under my feet. Swimming in the salt water baths. We would stand in a line at the side and when our shoulder was tapped dive in one after another.

Going from the playroom in the morning, through Uncle Tony's study to the dinning room where cold un-sugared milky tea awaited. ( still drink milky tea but hot and with sugar to this day)!
We would all say good morning sir, good morning sir, good morning sir and I would say good morning Uncle Tony never answered and I never once got even a flicker of an eye.
Oh yes and the clumuph of Uncle Tony coming. I always found him scary.
He convesated my brother Anthony's cricket ball and it stood for years in the silver cup on his study's mantelpiece and even when Anthony left he was not given it back. I knew he caned the boys and I though it barbaric even then.

I do remember skipping on the pavement outside the school and a meticulous man passing each day at the same time swinging his walking stick.

I remember the cloakroom and being made to sit on the loo until you were done - and the loo seat literally biting into my bottom!

I also remember staying at Deidre's lovely house near by if you weren't picked up at exiat or half term. I remember a hansom Swedish boy called Arnie Peeson.

If anyone would like some more information on the family or the school or to get in touch with my family - I can try to help. I would love to hear from friends that might remember me or any of my family. Thank you!

My email is ljkm07@yahoo.co.uk
I live in Cheltenham now.

Best wishes

Lizzie Kerkhof-May

Admendment To My Last Message

posted by Lizzie Kerkhof-May on 15 Mar 2015 at 12:29 pm

I have since remembered a few things that I need to correct.

Nessie and Stanley Sulman had 7 children and one of them was Penny. She married John Garret and they had 2 children Anne and Christoper (not Richard). I beleive they both live in Canada. I havent seen them since I was very little, probably at Sandown school when I was aged 6-8.

Margot I remember you and Diedre! Please get in touch it you like!

My cousin Simon Morrison is a font of information about the school and about my families history, so if anyone is interested further please contact me and I can pass you on to him.

I have since been in contact, thanks to this site with Michael Radmore who is family of mine and I hope to meet them soon, so this site is really helpful and thank you to all of you.

Best wishes,

Lizzie Kerkhof-May

Oh Lizzie!

posted by Simon Morrison on 16 Mar 2015 at 2:21 pm

Penny's son is called Christopher - Christopher
Garrett as you very well know or ought to.
Write it out three times (in French if necessary)
Christophe so you won't forget it, lol.

Memories

posted by Harriet Hayes nee Gabb on 21 Mar 2015 at 10:18 am

Sitting at anchor in Thailand and memories so just googled Sandown! Amazing to see friends on here from over 50 years ago clear as day....I remember you Margot Girdon and Anne and Susan Williams....Borus Rouser Christopher WilliamsAlistair Flood the Puddle brothers Alison Osborne and Meryl Capsi Warbi big dorm middle dorm and baby dorm. skipping on the pavement poo inspection each morning shut in the airing cupbiard for talking after lights out......sports days....cod liver oil tabs and a spoon of malt....crocodile walks....would also love to get in touch with Diedre Fitzgerald....

Anne Williams

posted by Harriet Hayes nee Gabb on 21 Mar 2015 at 10:28 am

would love to hear from you and Susan

Sandown

posted by Iain Rae on 25 Mar 2015 at 1:09 pm

Today, maybe oddly, I was looking at a picture from my Christening in Bexhill in 1947. There are a lot of people in the pic. but I only recognise about 6 of them. Who are/were the others? I recognise my Godfather Arthur Ferrier I have today found film of him on the Pathe website. Him and his pet monkey!!

Anyway I was wondering if there was some way of identifying all these other people and somehow I stumbled on this website and... er... "thread" is it?

I was at Sandown from, I imagine, 1952 to 1956 and I hope I can throw some memories into the pot.

I remember the resting on the floor, but not the name, of the "playroom" though I do remember the stage that was erected in that room for theatrical performances. Which makes me wonder whether the room was so named, not for playing in but for play acting.

Sadly I don't remember any of the above correspondents names though they mention some I remember and some I can imagine have brothers sisters e.g. Jill Longley I imagine had an older brother and the family had a department store in Bexhill "Longleys".

I don't remember any corporal punishment (perhaps I was just too good!), I don't remember any Latin, and while I don't remember Miss Radmore's French lunches it has reminded me of Simon Osborne who was friend of mine. The Osbornes had a hotel in Bexhill and they spoke only in French at lunch!!

Huon Mallalieu, I was reminded of only the other day when on a visit to the hospital I picked up a copy of Country Life and there was
an article by him.

Paul Sarony (did he win an Oscar for a film - [that one about Queen Victoria and John?] that he produced or is that just my imagination???) I think it is worth mentioning he had an older brother Peter and their late father was Leslie Sarony who had been 1/2 of a Music Hall Act "the two Leslies" You can find him on YouTube - I am literally listening to him right now! - And you may find him in an episode of The Sweeney playing the part of a junk shop proprietor/fence.

Somehow I think I could go on and on, The egg and spoon races at the sports, the laying our the towels to dry after returning from the swimming baths in the bus.

Tony Sulman, after Sandown, I think went to work at St Andrews in Eastbourne and indeed bought a house in the road where we lived though I was living in London by that time. He bought the house that had belonged to "Beefy" Howell who some may remember.

Just as I was about to close I was reminded of Miss Gould a teacher for at least some of my time at Sandown I remember her as very kind and nice and she lived in a flat in what was probably Cantelupe Road I can even imagine it as being above a coach house - or similar.

No one has yet mentioned being able to choose on our birthdays the hymn we would all sing. My choice then was always "Onward Christian Soldiers" of course written by Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould who I believe to be an ancestor of Miss Gould (Great Grand-daughter??) Or have I imagined that???

I see above Michael Combe, Robert Stone & Patrick MacLure have school photographs covering my time there. It would be great to see them.... if that were possible.

Feel free to contact me iain[AT]erewhon.co.uk

Add On To My Previous Messages

posted by Lizzie Kerkhof-May on 27 Mar 2015 at 5:17 am

This website is great as I'm now going to meet long lost family, the Radmores who are also related to the Sulmans.

I would love to talk to anyone who might remember my siblings Jenny, Anthony, Nick or me Lizzie May. Dimitri, Margot, Deidre, Arnie Peerson and Henrick please get in touch. My email is ljkm07@yahoo.co.uk

Thank you.

Lizzie

A Lucky Escape

posted by iain Rae on 27 Mar 2015 at 8:50 am

I have also just looked at the overall number of messages for each subject on this board. and I noticed there were an enormous number for Pendragon, and, of course I remembered the name from all those years ago.

Not exactly for amusement I suggest anyone who went to Sandown reads the Pendragon "thread" and sees the other side of education in the 1950's and 60's. I was particularly struck by one comment about a teacher there been like Jimmy Savile but with an extra twist (I think it was)

Pamela Pouncey

posted by Marcel Flomo on 08 Jul 2015 at 12:17 am

Pamela, if you happen to read this message, please send me a post. Take care
Marcel.

Leathes

posted by liz collison on 12 Aug 2015 at 10:00 am

I forgot to mention in my last message that my maiden name was Leathes and my brother John Leathes. He was 5 and I was 7 when we went to the school in 1946 because our mother was ill and we liked it so much that we stayed for 3 years although originally my parents had only planned for 6 months while mum was in nursing home. They chose Sandown because we used to holiday in Bude in a hotel next to the school and they saw what a happy school it was.

Facebook Page Sandown School

posted by lucy riley on 12 Aug 2015 at 3:16 pm

Hello everyone - FYI I just created a Facebook page where we can reconnect and post memories and photos. Hope to see you there. I went to Sandown and some classmates were Sarah Husssey and Bill Scully - I think in about 1960. My little sister Zanna also went there. Please come connect on the Facebook group page. Photos needed!! Thanks Lucy

Leathes

posted by John Bond on 16 Aug 2015 at 12:37 pm

Liz
I was at Sandown at the same time as you and your brother John, I recall a family connection with Harrods. I have a photo of John at a Birthday picnic with me in the woods near Bexhill. Also I have my school photos; I can remember nearly everyone's name but nowadays find it hard to remember what happened yesterday. I stayed in touch with Tony Sulman through my parents until the 1970's . Occasionally I meet old " Sandownians" - Jeremy Minns, Anthony Russell, Avril Waters - it is amazing how far Sandown's reach is. Hope all is well with you.

Leathes

posted by liz collison on 01 Sept 2015 at 9:27 am

John Thank you for your message. Any chance of a copy of the Photo of brother John at the Birthday picnic. I was in Bexhill on my way to Dover two weeks ago and checked out our old flat on the front. You were right Dad was at Harrods.
What a memory! Avril rings a bell but not the others. Do you have photo of my best friend Dawn Chettle (Cheetle). We shared a birthday.

Sandown School - Leathes

posted by John Bond on 07 Sept 2015 at 6:49 pm

Good to hear from you. Of course I will be delighted to send you copies, both of the Sandown school photos and the one of your brother, but they are in UK and I will not be back there until January. So I will send them in the first week of January 2016. Please tell me how to get them to you. I remember Dawn Chettle, she will be in the school photo. We lived in Sea Road but moved to St.Leonards after I left Sandown. As you can gather the school left a lasting impression.

Sandown School

posted by Per Rorholt on 15 Sept 2015 at 1:30 am

Greetings from New Zealand. On a whim I decided to google Sandown during a rare free period. I was at Sandown from 1959-63 and, yes, I remember watching Gracie play at Wimbledon. I remember quite a few of the people mentioned in posts from that time. I am still best mates with Grant Murrey but very few others have crossed my line of sight,. I did have the pleasure of visiting and keeping in touch with Tony Sulman after leaving Sandown and met Penny Rees at the Guildford Show in the late '60's. I wondered what happened to her, and Frances Barlow. Any info appreciated.

Harriet Hayes Gabb

posted by margot gordon on 14 Sept 2016 at 2:35 am

Harriet hayes nee Gabb ! I have just seen these posts from 2015. So sorry I didn't get in touch sooner. Are you safe? You were In Thailand post tsunami, thank goodness. would love to hear from you and Frances Barlow whom I remember but cannot envisage. What ever happened to Deidre? The name Alistair Flood rings a bell too.

Sand Down 1956- 59?

posted by Helen Cartier- Knox nee mathieson on 15 Sept 2016 at 7:25 pm

Hi everyone, can't quite remember which years I was there. Does anyone remember me? My parents lived in Singapore. I remember jane hilder.
Is there a reunion coming up? H