Attended KNBS 1975 - 1980. Work - Kings Norton Boys

Mark AltonLeaving Date: 1980Email: altonmark@aol.comLocation: Wilmslow, CheshireMessage:Attended KNBS 1975 - 1980.Working now in global risk insurance underwriting.Discovered site via my nephew (Matthew Alton) who is now a present-day pupilat KNBS.Chris ClarkeLeaving Date: 1980Email: cclarke@thorns-s.dudley.gov.ukLocation: DudleyMessage:I attended KNBS from 1973-1980 and I would love to hear from any past studentswho remember me ! I spent my early years with tutors Mr Chapman(Maths), followed by Mr Coleman (Art) and later Mr Mobley (Biology). A lot ofmy time out side of school was taken up with productions, and I was in manyover that period, mainly organised by Dave Hill and Norman Lee. These included"King Arthur" (written by Killer Kev Jones) and Kes, a joint production withKNGS. Dave Hill was a real inspiration and if anyone knows where I can contacthim, I would be really grateful-especially since I am a Head of Drama in aschool in Dudley. Teachers I remember are Mr Burgess, Mr Hurt-who someonegot me through O Level Maths, Mr Burrows and his theatre trips, Mr Poole whoused to distribute the new exercise books !, Mr Faulkner and Mr Bailey(Geography)-the latter parting my hair with a board rubber in one lesson, MrRowe (Woodwork) who was First Aid too I think-he was always dishing outparacetamols as I recall. The list is endless ! I hope someone out there remembersme-the fat one with glasses !CheersChris ClarkeDavid GallowayLeaving Date: 1980Email: dgalloway@bluehorizons.freeserve.co.ukLocation: UKMessage:I was at the school from 1973 to 1980, and I'm still involved, helping out IanNelson with the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. I still see a few of my old schoolmates on a regular basis: Clive Dean, Steve Hinks, Martin Brown, John Prendergast,Jez Moorcroft. And then there's that man who keeps appearing on the TVand Radio... Adrian Goldberg. Was it really 20 years ago that I left?Adam BlizzardLeaving Date: 1981Email: adamblizzard@hotmail.comLocation: RednalMessage:

Just discovered KNBS via my brother Lee, I attended from 76 to 81 ish ,if anybodyremembers me it wasn't on a regular basis, I can recall many days spentwandering around the Bull Ring alone, or with the likes of Stephen Eaton betterknown as tank Chris Ames, Lee Jones etc, on one occasion we went to theOdeon New Street and saw Rising Damp the movie, better than school I suppose.Many good years partially spent at KNBS, i was the fat kid who lived in a pub .Other chums i remember are the Bosworth twins [who never shared theresweets but i could allways wangle one from martin] good old noddy, Pat Hannah,Mark Davies Anderton, Ian Kemp, Steve Baker who i tormented to death[sorry],there was one smashing lad i cant remember his name he would allwaysdye his hair and style it like Phill Oakley. Teachers: Wright, Mobley, Chapman,Hill, Faulkner, Roe, and of course Mr Hunt who for his pleasure would pick youup by your sideburns.Anyone remember singing hersham boys in the back of the School transit androcking it so violantly through the cattle grids of Wales that we removed all thepaint from its sides and Mr Faulkener threatening to confiscate our cider, thosewere the days called geology trips fantastic. I often drive past and look at Brendasold shop [now a house] and long for a 7p of bread and a packet ofsnaps,thats why i'm still fat, been a mechanic forever and in my 21st year as amobile DJ with a few good contracts under my belt, on the whole fantasticyears.Adrian BrownLeaving Date: 1981Email: adeheathen@aol.comLocation: UKMessage:I was at KN from 1974 to 1981 and some of us are thinking of getting a reuniontogether next year.For those of you who may wish to avoid /join us:beside myself, there's Nigel Comer, John Bishop, Phil Johnston and RichardSeal.Plus a few folks who are not so e-literate.Whenever me and Andy Collins get together (oops sorry, forgot it was a GRAM-MAR school) we often compete to remember the most obscure pupil.Was it you ? Actually it was probably me.Ian HudsonLeaving Date: 1981Email: ian.hudson@ntlworld.comLocation: LeicesterMessage:Old Nortonian from 1974-1981. Other reprobates around were Phil Johnston,Nigel Comer, Ada Brown, Richard Seal, Tim Solari, Guy Jones, Alan Smith (ofArsenal and England fame), Lee Pointon,Dave Lewis,Rob Farr, Pete Fischer,John Bishop and many others. I'm now a Consultant Cardiologist in Leicester

and have loads of memories of KNBS. Trips down to and links with KNGS wereestablished largely by our crowd and were very profitable! Fond memories oftrips to the Isle of Man with Steve Mobley, and bringing back a dead seal fordissection really caused a stir or stink or both... Oh and listening to old FredVane reading Biology textbooks to us. The famous quote of the late Mr. Jack(Latin and Greek): Linesth or Clippth boy? Lines meant 2000 huge paragraphs.It was the great Howard Stockley who gave me the web address.Anyone out there need a quick ECG?John BishopLeaving Date: 1981Email: j.w.bishop@computer.orgLocation: UKMessage:I shall add my name to the growing list of the class of '81! For those who can'tbring me to mind then think "gringo" (how I hated that!). Anyone out there fora reunion in 2001? TTFN (PS I'm not leggy or blonde I'm afraid!).Peter FischerLeaving Date: 1981Email: petefischer@lineone.netLocation: Crewe, Cheshire.Message:I started when KNBS retained its Grammar School status (1974) and left in1981. My best memory (so my wife tells me) is going to the Girl's school atlunchtime when we were in the sixth form so we could mix with our sisterschool (and more importantly eye up the girls!). I met Ruth Ballard there, whoin 1983 became Mrs Fischer. We have been married 17 years and now have 4children (aged 14, 12, 10 and 5). I look forward to some sort of reunion if anyof my old chums get to read this (Phil Johnston - my brother in law!, AdrianBrown, John Bishop, Richard Seal, Ian Hudson, Roger Lawson, Roger Hainesand anyone else of course) Regards, Pete FischerRichard SealLeaving Date: 1981Email: rjseal@globalnet.co.ukLocation: UKMessage:I attended KNBS at the same time as Adrian Brown (see earlier post) and Ihave very fond memories of the staff and pupils of that time. Adrian, Phil andMyself were some of the first to establish 'social intercourse' with the girlsschool during balmy summer lunchtimes in their common room.Rob FarrLeaving Date: 1981Email: rfarr@nalco.comLocation: CheshireMessage:I went to KNBS from September 1973 to Jul 1981 (stayed on extra year in 6thform for A level retakes)A good site!

Phil ThomasLeaving Date: 1981Email: phil_thomas38@yahoo.co.ukLocation: IrelandMessage:I attended KNBS the first year intake that it was no longer Grammar school,lots of good memories especially the tuck shop and playing soccer on the fieldsat breaktimes.The teachers i remember were Mr Jack still have memories of the sore ears clipsMr Vine Mr Coleman Mr Wright Mr Burrows Mr Hattersley Mrs Alderman andthank them all for the good times and support.If anyone remembers myself get in touch do not get back to Birmingham oftenenough now but would love to hear from someone thanksSteve WellerLeaving Date: 1981Email: sad@wellers.freeserve.co.ukLocation: BirminghamMessage:(Attended 1976-81) It brings back lots of memories visiting this web site.There's not much from the seventies so I thought i'd write down a few thoughtsas they spring to mind. The snowball fights on the playing field; 6th formers vthe rest of the school. Stephen Jack giving out clip(ths) round the head and liftingyou out of your seat by the hair on the back of your neck. Charlie Chestermaking History interesting and bringing it to life. Seeing Alan Smith (later ArsenalF.C. & England) break the school high jump record on sports day. Alwaysgetting the best marks for PE/Games - Thank you Mr Burgess. Making darts outof drawing pins , blue tack and paper - Wonder if that one is still stuck on theassembly hall ceiling !? Mr Vine's sarcasm. Sliding down the playground in theice Captaining & Winning The Chess Tournament for Wright House. Our Class -Allen , Beckett , Bevan, Darby, Dodd, Finnerty ,Fox , Garner .... it still sticks inthe mind.David Cotterill-DrewLeaving Date: 1982Email: d.j.c.cotterill-drew1@studnet.derby.ac.ukLocation: Ilkeston, DerbyshireMessage:I am a former pupil of KNBS having left in 1982,I have now returned to highereducation at the University of Derby, studying Electrical & Electronic Engineering.Nigel ComerLeaving Date: 1982Email: nigelcomer@aol.comLocation: BirminghamMessage:I attended KNBS between '74 and '82 during the transition from Grammar toComprehensive. There are many fond memories; firstly my fellow pupils, agreat bunch a number of whom I still actively contact or see today namely;

Kevin Jelf, Andy Morton, Adrian Brown,Ian Hudson, Phil Johnston,John Bishop.Educationally I failed to fulfil my potential, despite the excellent teaching(Howard Stockley, Steve Mobley, Doc Hosfield, Norman Lee, John Hattersley etal) or so my school reports say...still remember mum and dad returning from5th form parents evening stony faced...OUCH!!What really marked the school out for me was Steve Mobley's' dedication andsupport to the outdoor activities. There were some fantastic adventures. In theearlier years at Pen Rhos, the school cottage, where we walked in the mountains,climbed and canoed.Lake Bala ditto. The most memorable trip was in the long hot summer of 1976when Steve and his wife bravely took a party of boys on a tour through the riversof central France and the Mediterranean (briefly) by canoe. The scenery wasbreathtaking, the Pont D'Arc a huge limestone arch over the river and also thenudists who caused quite a stir. If you've still got the slides Steve put a selectionon the site!!!The site is excellent keep up the good work.David ShawLeaving Date: 1983Email: dave@daveshaw.plus.comLocation: Leamington SpaMessage:I started at the school in the September of 1975 and if I remember correctlythere was a bomb/fire alert on the very first day, therefore my first impressionsof the school were of the playing fields, in the cold. Things could only get better.The school at this stage was going through a change from Grammar to Comprehensive.I was in the first Comprehensive year, but this did not stop the teachersfrom continuing with Grammar School ways. The general feeling was thatuntil the last Grammar School pupil left, the school was not a "proper" Comprehensive.The memories of my early years are a little blurred (well it is over 25 yearsago), but I am sure there were fun.However, it is strange how certain things stick in your memory. Mr Holland,complete with clip on tie, teaching Classical Studies. Mr Jack offering you thechoice of a Clip or Lines (You only ever made the mistake of selecting linesonce). Mr Bailey launching chalk, board rubbers and the like at the more"demanding" members of class. Mr Burrows with his equal love of French andWorcestershire County Cricket Club. Mr Poole, the keeper of the new exercisebook cupboard.The memories of the fourth and fifth years are clearer, as I was in the classes Iwanted to be in. Chemistry with "Doc" and "Jack the Hat", Maths with KenPoole, Physics with Mr Hallows and of course Howard Stockley.The Headmaster at this time was K A Hearne, everone who met him and stayed

on to the 6th form will no doubt remember his fixation with complete and accuratecompletion of UCCA forms.The sixth form were without doubt my favourite years, not only for the scholasticachievements, but also for the Friday and Saturday nights at The Camp. Ican still remember the people down there; Keith Rogers, Jon Cully , KevMcGovern, Rob McIntosh, Alec Courts, Greg Howells, Tony Wright. The saturdaynights sometimes only started in The Camp, they progressed to such nightspots as Edwards No 7, and if we were feeling like a "Big Boys" night out, TheDome. It was probably this extra curriculum activity that foced me to re-sit myA Levels, but in the end I passed and with great sadness had to leave the schoolto embark on years of further education.The sixth form was also a benefit because it allowed us access to King's NortonGirls' School, many a lunch time was spent in their common room.I visited the school a few times after I left, but haven't been back for at least 15years, but I will one day.These days I am a Technical Support Manager for a Software House (the threeyears at Coventry studying Metallurgy and Materials Technology were usefulthen!!!) I still keep in touch with Alec Courts (I was Best Man at his Weddingand God Father to half of his brood).If you were to ask me to pick out one character from school above all others, itwould have to be Howard Stockley. His love of the subject and his keeness tohelp boys succeed was astonishing. I can always remember his Physics "MultiChoice" questions, with answers such as "D. A Camel".All in all it was a good seven years, and will stay with me for the rest of my life.And remember "Humani Semper Contendimus" - hmmm, maybe I should havelistened more to Mr Holland.......Derek WoolfsonLeaving Date: 1983Email: dek@biols.susx.ac.ukLocation: BrightonMessage:I was at KNBS from 1976 - 1983. I loved it: I was taught well, I learned a lot,I had fun on the sports field and lots more. Without Howard Stockley, Doc.Hosfield, John Hattersley, Morris Burrows, Bill Bailey, Karl Hearne and manyothers I wouldn't have gone to university, which, for me at least, would havebeen a disaster. All of this set me up for life and now help me in my career as ascientist and university lecturer.On the lighter side, my memories echo many of Steve Weller's, but here are afew more: (badly played) football in blistering heat on the playing field in summer(I still have a photo from one such day, which I will search out, scan andpost it on my web site); chess club at lunchtime; desktop basketball with a 2ppiece; travelling with the chess team (Chris Barber, the Hodges twins and oth-

ers) to away fixtures; the School production of Kes; the cricket cradle; Bill Bailey(in one smooth move) hearing a voice, swivelling around on his feet, launchinga piece of chalk and hitting the offending student; football with a tennis ballor something smaller in the "far (?)" playground in the winter; Howard peeringover his half-moon specs and shouting "bloody fool" encouragingly at someonein O' level physics; Steve Mobley and others emerging miraculously from lakeBala in their diving gear; fishing a small stream at Bala for trout; my variousclassmates from 1B and up (Dave) Boscott! , (Chris) Jones, (Kev) Mason, (Phil)Milner, (Trevor) Jones, (Mark) Bishop, (Mark) Rea, Noddy (Davis), (Mark) Reynolds;(Mark) Davies, (Sandy) Forbes, (Mike) Rock, (Shreyas) Naik and manyothers (first names weren't cool then and so were hardly used- shame); SpeechDay at Cadbury's; Weaver House winning "everything" and, in particular, neverlosing to Steve Weller or Wright House at chess (but perhaps my memories aresomewhat selective).Finally, my brother (Ian) attended KNBS from 1978 - 1983. He is well and enjoyinglife as a scuba-diving instructor in Australia.All the best,Nick FieldLeaving Date: 1984Email: nickfield@btinternet.comLocation: Clapham, LondonMessage:Well, it's great to find a site about the old place - hadn't really thought about itmuch until I found the friends reunited web site a few months ago.Got to admit, when I came across the link for this site and started reading someof the posts, all the memories came flooding back - it felt like being 16 again!!Was kind of strange!Really nice to hear about some of the people & teachers I remember from backthen - Howard, Rob Flynn, Dave Hill, John Hattersley, Steve Mobley, StuartVine, Malcolm Burgess - guys, if you read this, Hi there, remember me? Hopeyou are all well. I still remember the lessons you all did as if it were yesterday -was really surprised a lot of you are still there!I reckon I was pretty happy there from what I remember - could have been bettersometimes, as I guess I was still 'in my shell' at the time :-), but generally Ihad a good time.Looking back though, even if I *did* do quite well in the sciences, I honestlywasn't cut out for the science/maths route that I eventually took through to A's,and although it didn't do me any harm, can't help wondering what I'd be doingnow if I'd have taken a different route.So, what am I doing now?Well, left KNBS in '84 and went on to do Business Studies at Lanchester Polyfrom '84 - '87.

Moved down to London to work pretty much straight from uni - got a job as accountmanager in an ad agency, started playing rugby and pretty much had acool time doing that for a few years.Went off to Africa to do a bit of travelling in 1990, came back and started a designconsultancy with a work colleague which we ran for about 2 1/2 years beforewe both decided to wind it down and get back into the big game(something to do with recession, not making enough money, the stress of runningyour own set-up and a bit of a change of philosophy on life !!)Got into the whole new media/internet thing around 1994, which was when ithad just started to hit the UK, so was a pretty exciting time - I was luckyenough to work for a big US agency as Account Director, responsible for developingwebsites for big blue-chips like British Airways and then for a couple ofother companies with other pretty big clients, before moving on and heading upthe marketing for a European digital music site. Great time and brilliant to beinvolved from the beginning in an industry that was evolving so quickly andshaping the way we all live and work , but to be honest, way too stressfulsometimes.Now living in Clapham, London with my partner, having a fine old time andheading Marketing and Web Content Development for a property site that hasdeveloped a new House Price Index.Drop me a line and say hi, it\'d be good to get back in touch with anyone whoremembers me.Although still meet up with a few old friends from Birmingham days, have losttouch with most people from school when I moved away, so it\'d be good tohear from anyone who knew me.All the bestNickAdrian DalzielLeaving Date: 1985Email: adriand@birmingha-coach.co.ukLocation: WarleyMessage:Wonderful to see the web site which I found from friends reunited. Amazing tosee so many familiar names from the past - messrs Wright, Chapman, Burrows,Falconer, Hattersley, Chester etc etc.Attended from 78 - 85 and have to say that my memories are all good - happiestbeing Dave Brown stopping in a cupboard all through one of John Chester'sdouble history lessons. Great days, great school - thanks for the start that allyou guys gave me in lifeLawrence BoothLeaving Date: 1985

Email: lawrence@booth32.fsnet.co.ukLocation: BuckinghamshireMessage:Was at KNBS 81 to 85, have really fond memories. Good to see some name Irecognise on the guest book and that they are doing well. Now I have found thisexcellent website, I will visit regularly and inform my old school mates that I amstill in contact with after all these years!!Eddie EvansLeaving Date: 1985Email: Not SpecifiedLocation: BirminghamMessage:I have been working in the Computer Industry ever since leaving school, currentlyworking for a very large IT company with approx 10,000 employees herein the UK and Europe.Married for over 10 years with one Daughter who 3 years old and the apple ofmy eye.I still live in Birmingham, (As I love it here and wouldn't live anywhere else),andhaven't kicked a Football since leaving that I do miss.I found this site Via Friends reunited, but after all these years I find it hard toput faces to the names.Julian SmallLeaving Date: 1987Email: juliansmall@atkins-china.com.hkLocation: Sydney, AustraliaMessage:Web Administrator - Firstly, congratulations on the web page - very impressive.I was at KNBS from 1980-1987 I recognise a couple of teachers who are stillthere from that period - good to see Jack Hattersley is still around (and MrHearn is not).. I wonder if you could forward to me Mr Stockley\'s email addressif you have it. Please pass on my regards to anyone who remembers me particularlyJack.Iain ShawLeaving Date: 1989Email: iainshaw@btinternet.comLocation: GalwayMessage:Was at KNBS 81 -89, later went to Wolves Poly (Bsc) and then to Royal VeterinaryCollege (PhD). Looking forward to visiting prior to leaving for Galway. Fondmemories of Jack Hattersley getting me interested in Science and Fred Vane doinghis best to control a biology class (was he pushed or did he jump). Was inschool orchestra for entire time at KNBS - anyone willing to run me off a copy ofany videos or tapes ?Ian Shackleford

Leaving Date: 1989Email: pud1407@aol.comLocation: NorthfieldMessage:Hi all at KNBSI was at KNBS between 1983-1989 and had six great years there.My favourite teachers were Mr.Hill (English), Mr Faulkner (Geology), Mr Burrows(French) sadly now deceased but not forgotten.I was a member of all the football teams from 1st year through to Sixth Formand would like to think we were quite successful.Fond memories also of Brenda's Tuck Shop next door to the school having a halfloaf of bread and cheesy puffs crisps also now sadly not there.Mr Hearne was my headmaster and he was a good one too always representingthe school with pride.As we all say when we're there school was a crappy place to be but i'm 29 nowand god, i wish i was back there now ha ha!If anyone reading this remembers me, please e-mail me as it would be great tohear from someone from my schooldays.Ian.Neville IngramLeaving Date: 1989Email: ningram@ic24.netLocation: North DevonMessage:To all you old boys looking for old friends from 1984 to 1989. Recently returnedfrom South Africa where I spent 10 years. Hoping to catch-up with old friends.Please email me, Cheers, Neville.Adam FerrisLeaving Date: 1989Email: a.ferris@feggy.freeserve.co.ukLocation: StourbridgeMessage:I had 6 memorable years at KNBS and like Ian Shakleford had lots of memoriesof playing football and representing the school as goalkeeper and getting muddedup to the eye balls at much as possible.Other friends from school were, Dave Allen, Barry Morse and Jason Ashfield.I also remember the daily trips to Brenda's for lunch and snacks, but best of allwas Table tennis whenever we had free time in the sixth form common room.I wonder if anyone can remember the snowball fights we used to have as sixthformers against the rest of the school.Since leaving KNBS i joined Sainsbury's and gradually worked my way throughthe levels of management to Duty Manager level and have now moved on to becomeStore manager of Iceland Foods at West Bromwich.

If anybody wishes to keep in touch please email me or pop in and visit me ifyou are in West brom at any time.Rob StylesLeaving Date: 1989Email: rob.styles@btinternet.comLocation: AberystwythMessage:Attended KNGS for Boys 1962-89, didn't make the best of the teaching, all byexcellent masters. Important thing was that, without knowing, you were taughtabout life. After failing to finish the course at Leeds University, I became a factorymanager in the clothing industry, latterly with Laura Ashley, the only oneto have read Latin and Greek!Remember the Italian visits with Howard Stockley, that's why I opened a pizzarestaurant in Aberystwyth. Sport was a big thing with the school. Can recallhaving two teachers running the football team one year, one up to Christmasand one after. Scraped into the team at left back only because I was leftfooted. Played with Brian Sheasby, didn't like to see him join the enemy, Villa,but sorry he was bombed out by Docherty. That was the time The Blues werethe top team, FA Cup semi final in 1968 etc. Did a project with Graham Jameson The Blues after our GCEs.Been in touch with Howard Stockley last year, must contact him again. Beenback past the old school occasionally on my fleeting visits to Birmingham, looksjust the same from Northfield Road.Would appreciate any help in telling 14 year old daughter not to make the samemistakes and to work hard to gain qualifications. Very good at languages, English,Welsh, German & French but takes it easy, just like I did.Thanks once again to those old fashioned teachers to whom it was more thanjust a job, it was a vocation.