Kent School Association

Hi to anyone who was a pupil at Kent School during 1971-1973. I lived at RAF Wildenrath during that time, and at RAF Geilenkirchen for six months previous.That was without doubt the BEST school I went to, along with my sister, Diane (nee Brasier). I'd love to hear from anyone who was there at that time. My form teacher was Mr. Ruston (always wore black, as he was the drama teacher). I was in forms 1RR and 2RR, and in the yellow Rochester House. Maidstone was blue, Canterbury was red, and Tunbridge was green. I haven't re-visited, but would love to one day. I'm now 47, and recently, I've been thinking a lot about Kent School. I've seen the photographs on this website, and believe me...the memories came flooding back. I remembered exactly what I was doing at that particular moment, with each photograph !!! Wonderful. I went to university at 37 (four years), and gained a BSc(Hons) degree in Environmental Planning, then a Post Graduate Dilpoma in Town Planning (Dip TP), and am a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI). I still have all my old school reports from Kent School, and even my old school photograph from 1972 (long hair and all)!!! I'd love to hear from anyone who was there at that time.

Hi. I have just found this site. I was at Kent School between 1972 - 1974. Memories also came flooding back to me as well. I was in Yellow Rochester House and I had identical twins as friends, called Catherine and Ann. One teacher I remember is Miss Burgess who taught typing, hence I am doing this at 60 wpm !! It is quite haunting to see the pictures of the school which I remember so well. I often see school reunions but never thought I would meet anyone from school due to moving around so much. My maiden name is Rutter and I was so painfully shy (made up for it since). Hope you can respond. Sue.

Hiya Sue...thanks for replying to my message re. Kent School Memories. I can say, without doubt, that Kent School was the best school I ever attended. Like you, I'd been to a few other schools, too (not always nice ones either). I have downloaded some of the photo's from this website, and have kept them in a folder at home. They're great to look at, when I want to be reminded of Kent. Who was your form teacher ? Mine was Mr. Ruston the drama teacher (Rochester). I think the only teachers I lived in fear of were Miss Groom (maths) and Mr. Ellis (RE). I remember he gave me an essay to write as a punishment, and after handing it to him the next day, he promptly tore it up in front of me!!! I'm now in touch with my former History teacher, Mr. McNulty. It's really odd calling him by his first name. I feel as though I should still call him sir, despite me being 47 !!! Old habits die hard, eh? Those were the days. One day I would like to return to Kent School, just to lay a few personal ghosts to rest, and then I'll be happy. I've been thinking about the old place quite a lot, just lately. Where did you live, in Germany ? I lived for six months at Geilenkirchen, and then for 2 1/2 years at Wildenrath. Look forward to hearing from you soon, Sue. PS. your name does sound familiar to me. What were the names of the twins you knew ?

I was also there 71-73. Started by living at Geilenkirchen 2/1 Tongeren Weg, then moved to RAF Wildenrath MQs, can't remember the address though. It's a long time ago!

My form tutor was Mrs Oxley, I was in 1TX & 2TX. Her husband was also a teacher there.

The name Karen Rutter rings a bell!

Hello Paul...
I read your message, with interest. When I lived at Geilenkirchen (1971), I lived with my family at 1/4 Lutticher Strasse, right next to the old railway line and the dirt track to Teveren village. I do know Tongerenweg, as I think that was the street immediately around the corner from us. I went to Geilenkirchen School (as I'm sure you did), which was a low level building. The headmaster was Mr. Stables, and my form teacher was Mr. Rankin. Do you remember the NAAFI at Geilenkirchen - you used to have to take the bus (we did, anyway, as my dad didn't have a car). At Geilenkirchen, that guy used to come in his van and deliver the cartons of milk, also a woman used to come in her estate car selling bread and sweets, not fogetting the mobile Schnellimbiss (van). We always bought chips with lots of mayonaise, and currywurst (that was my favourite). We also used to either cycle or walk to the Turmcafe (Tower Cafe), just up the road from the flats (along the main road), and also to the Schnellimbiss that was there, too (remember). Did you have a bike in Germany ? We had red coloured bikes called "Kettrad" (brand name), they folded in half - we went everywhere on them. We even shared a pair of those lace up roller-skates that you could adjust with a small spanner thing...those were the daye, eh ? Then after 6 months at Geilenkirchen, we moved to RAF Wildenrath, where we lived at AMQ (can't remember the number, but the address changed to 4 Beaver Close). Do you remember the swimming pool at Wildenrath, and the Astra Cinema (by the Astra Gate) - we had those green identity cards with our photo on them, to show to the guard at the gate. You know what, Paul...how sad is this, I have all my school reports from Geilenkirchen and Kent Schools !!! They're great to look at, and have a laugh about, as I didn't do too well at school. Still, I got a Degree in 2000 and a Diploma in 2001, so I can't have been that thick !!! What did your dad do in the RAF ? Mine was a fireman (Cpl. Brasier).

Hi David,

I never went to the local school, as I was 11 when we arrived in Germany. So it was straight to Kent for me, and that was a shock, getting up at such an early time and spending so long in a motorised refridgerator! (It felt like that in the winter anyway!)

I remember the NAAFI well. I was amazed on my first visit, my father bought a crate of 7-Up, and I was given DM10 pocket money. I felt like a millionaire!

I'd completely forgotton about the mobile Schnelly. I could sure do a Currywurst & pommes right about now, gawd, I love this reminiscing lark!

I sure did have a bike, I got a 'Chopper' for xmas before we went to germany, I did some miles on that thing there, we used to cycle to the cinema on base - remember the dirt road that went direct to the base, through some fields?

I remember the pool all too well. Broke a couple of ribs there, running and slipped in the shower, landed on the step on my rib cage. Even today, I still remember the pain & discomfort when it happened.

Probably like you, I spent loads of time in the Astra. Then..... the new central heating network started construction & installation. No more boilers in the cellars, a centralised boilerhouse for heating & hot water. That was a fantastic 'playground'.

Sadly, I have no photos or anything from those days. My mother was very anti-clutter so things got binned. Such a shame, but thats life.

My old man was the FS in MTSS. We left in 1974, went to RAF Valley.

I left school in 1977 and started an apprenticeship, but the recession wasn't too far away, and in 1979 I joined the RAF myself. Completed my 22 and left in 2001.

Had a couple of tripe to GK to see the old flat, and the MQ on Wildenrath. I was based at Wildenrath, but was single so never spent much time in MQs! Drove past kent school a few times in the late 90s, was sad seeing it in such a state. It was my favorite school, and held many happy memories.

Hi been reading your replies with interest.
I am 48 by the way but have kept no school reports so forget which class I was in. I have recently been looking at photos of classmates though as we use to have our photos taken together.
I first lived at Swartbrock in Holland before moving to Elmpt then onto RAF Bruggen. Also remember the refridgerated run to school on the old green bus.

There was a cinema with a big ditch by it. I remember falling into it and I hadn't started drinking then !! Use to also go to the youth club and swimming pool at Bruggen camp.

Does 1 double, 3 singles and 5 slips mean anything to you??? The laundry van. I remember running out to it to swop the dirty for the clean. Had blue lines running down it!!!!

Can't really remember the teachers apart from Miss Burgess and McNaulty.

I use to help out in the tuck shop sometimes and also the library.

I married someone in the RAF (surprise, surprise). I met an Irish Man in Wales so quite a good mix. We got posted to RAF Bruggen but lived at Wickwrath. I use to work at RAF Rheindahlen in the Big House for PSA. Got posted back to England, this time Norfolk.

Had a further posting to RAF Bruggen (Getting an old hand now) where I had my children, at RAF Wegberg.

I did visit Kent School and always the memories flood back.

I am going to keep watching this space with interest. Have you remembered the identical twins yet Catherine and Ann George??

See yea for now. Sue

Hiya Paul & Susan...Thanx for your e-mails. Susan, I DO remember going out to the laundry lorry, which used to stop right outside our house, at Wildenrath. My mum taught us to do "hospital corners" when making a bed (which, sadly I still know how to do...funny what sticks with you throughout life, isn't it). I also remember the old green paraffin heaters that were issued by the RAF, with that wire handle for carrying, and the four spindley feet, and the little glass window at the front. Paul, my brother had a chopper bike (second hand), bought for him one Christmas (my parents couldn't afford a new one). It was a silver one...called...wait for it "Grandezza" (now THAT'S sad that I remember the bloody name if it, isn't it? The bus from Geilenkirchen to Kent School was called GK1 (that went to the new flats), and GK2 went to the old flats, over the road(all the roads there were named after composers). Our bus escort, after we moved to Wildenrath, was called "Ezzy" Duffield. She couldn;t control us, so she used to buy us chocolate to pacify the kids on the bus. I remember one year, when it snowed REALLY heavily, and visibility was almost nil. The bus was freezing cold, and the seats were rock hard. You could feel every bump the bus went over!!! At Wildenrath, I remember having to cycle to the Malcolm Club to buy the Sunday papers (English papers). It seemed a long way from AMQ's. Do you both remember the GSO canteen, at Wildenrath ? We used to go there to listen to music on the Juke Box (mostly T.Rex, Slade, Bowie, Wizard etc.). All for now, but keep in touch, as reminiscing keeps the grey matter working. Take care.

I went to Kent at the same time as you guys. There was me, my twin Kath and my sister Margaret. I have to agree with you it was the best school ever. I have very fond memories of my time there. Do you remember the school concerts that the 6th formers put on. I remember the the kent school girls song. It kinda went 'we are the kent school girls, we wear our hair in curls, we wear our dungarees way up above our knees, we never smoke or drink. thats what ou parents think'. There is more, but I'll leave that till another day. If you do remember us or anyone out there does, feel free to leave a message. One of our pals was Angela Phelps. Ive loads of memories, like you they all came flooding back. We lived in Krefeld, and our house was Tonbridge.

Hiya Lorraine...
I read your message, with great interest. I do remember the Kent School Girls song, very well, because my sister used to sing it (she was at Kent at the same time, only a year above me). Do you remember the tuck shop (in the basement of the science/home economics block)...I think it was called the Maidstone Munch Bar. If we had friends working in there, they used to pass mars bars up through the window, for free. Sometimes we'd jump through the open window and help ourselves to choc or crisps (just like St. Trinians, eh)? It was another worl, at Kent, wasn't it ? Actually, I'm in regular contact with Mr. McNulty (my former history teacher). He's retired to N. Ireland (where he comes from). I believe my form teacher, Mr.Ruston, retired to Lincolnshire, whilst my former English teacher, Miss Sparkes (can't remember her married name) died of cancer, recently. I've downloaded a load of the photo's attached to this site, and created an album, at home, which I look at, and which brings back happy memories. What House were you in at Kent? I was in Rochester (yellow). I remember several of my class /school colleagues (Angela Wren, Nicol Shurman, Jez Payne, Adrian Stroud, Mary McFarlane, Pamela Le Carpentier,Michael Friend, Keir Hart, Vince Parker, Jeff & Cliff McGill, Kelvin Weekes, Michael Baker, Caroline Roddy, Fern Murray, Stephen MacKintosh etc). All for now, but take great care and I hope to hear from yourself and anyone else who wishes to get in touch re. Kent School. Have a Fab Christmas and a Great 2008 !!!

Hi, didnt know this existed, was at Kent 70-73, lived SHAPE, Belgium. Boarded at Deal,no was 213. In Canterbury Hse, tutor was Mr England. Maths -Mr Byford, French-Mr Tooke, German-Mrs Schofield. Mr Lacklison, pe teacher hated boarders. Fond memories.

I was a boarder at Deal during this period. I have great memories of both the old school and of the boarding house. I remember going swimming at the Blue Pool, I also took part in diving comps, used to do an inward pike off the 3m board. My folks were at Laarbruch and I remember that there were great discos most nights on camp. Used to spend alot of time at the Malcom Club or Snoopies (burger bar I think). Does anyone remember me or Chris & Theresa Millar? Also the Pullen bros come to mind. I remember lots of faces but names escape me now. Anyway, a big hello to all who were at Kent at this time - a great period in our lives!

Bob Smith

Hiya Bob - how you keeping?
They were great days. I was at Bracht 1970-1973 then M“nchengladbach. I ended up in Chatham House for the sixth form. I actually loved it!

Hello Bob
I lived just round the corner in Lier from Chris and Terry Miller, had an email from Sharon Keelor as she was last month and she told me the sad tale that Chris died after a bad spell in hospital - Terry however married and her hubby is now high up in the forces .. hope this helps you

Hi Sarah,
Many thanks for the reply. Very sad to hear about Chris, I always remember him as a great pal, we had lots of great laughs at Deal. I once went to stay with him and Theresa at Liege and we got rather blotto at a small bar somewhere on lager and blackcurrent I think. It was so funny going back to their house and trying to act sober so as not to get into trouble with their Mum and Dad. Pleased to hear that Theresa is ok and her and her family are doing well. Isn't it strange that we can only think of those we knew at Kent as youngsters and for the most part care-free and happy. I was in the Army for 5yrs upon leaving school, left for 3yrs then joined the RAF and left a couple of yrs ago and settled in Lincolnshire. I now work at RAF Conningsby as a civvy. Thanks once again for replying, I always wondered what became of Chris and Theresa.
Kind Regards,
Bob Smith.

Hi Jane,
Thanks for your reply, I don,t know if you remember me and you must forgive me for not remembering you by name. I can remember loads of faces and incidents both at school and Deal House but not many names unfortunately. In fact no one yet has owned up to remembering me from those days and I,m quite sure I was no wall-flower. I got done for smoking several times, used to dive for the school, Captained the 14yrs rugby team (once) and broke my hand in a school fight and ended up in plaster (I won, incidentaly). Maybe someone will come out of the woodwork and jog my memory one day - here's hoping.
Kind Regards,
Bob Smith.

Hi does anyone remember what happened to Keir Hart, Michael Friend, Angela Wren, Pamela Le Carpentier, Mary McFarlane, Peta Jones (she later moved to Lossiemouth, Scotland and was at my school there, Lossiemouth High School), these are a few of my class mates from 1971-1973. It's a LONG time ago, but maybe someone knows about them, or anyone else who was in 1RR, 2RR & 3RR ? Cheers and Happy New Year to everyone connected with Kent School, in whatever way !!!

Hi David, sorry I've taken so long to reply. Wot with xmas etc, you kinda forget things. I guess age doesnt help either, gettin' on a bit now, still young at heart though. Yes I remember the tuck shop very well. Always came out richer than i went in. No I didnt steal, just had friends that worked there. Always had loads of mars bars coke and paprika crisps. Went off mars bars for a very long time. I was in Tonbridge house. I used to enjoy the inter house sports. Always lots of fun. Do you remember a John Slade? Do you also remember the Tookeys. there was Dean Wayne and there was a sister, but I can't remember her name. There was also the Moores. Tony and Christopher. One of my freinds was Angela Phelps. Don't know what happened to her though. Do you remember the youth club discos? All the youth clubs used to meet up at the weekends, had a great time. Unfortunately, my brain isn't functioning to it's full capacity, I'm on night shift and it's now 5am, so I'm wilting big time. I just wanted to get back to you and anyone else that may know me. I'll leave another message soon with a bit more info when brain reengages. Bye for now.

Hiya Lorraine...nice to hear from you. Blimey, I DO remember the paprika crisps...how could I forget. Like you, I always came out of the tuck shop with choc and crisps. It always helped having friends who worked therein. The Tookeys, I think I remember them. I think I went to Geilenkirchen School with the sister, for a few months before going to Kent. Did she have blonde hair. If so, then I believe her name may have been Diana or Diane. If she's the one I'm thinking of, she always looked a bit on the lankey side to me, but then I was quite short up until 13 when I grew a little (I'm only 5ft. 9 now). I remember Tonbridge House was green. Can you remember those little button badges we all wore to show which house we belonged to? Which camp did you live on? The photo's on the website are extremely haunting...but very nostalgic at the same time. I've printed several off and have kept them in an album, I've started at home (probably broken some kind of copywrite or something, but hey)!!! Kent was DEFINITELY the BEST school I went to. Lorraine, I'll wrack my brain for the other names you mentioned in your e-mail, and get back to you...o.k? By the way, I'm in touch with one of my old teachers, Mr. McNulty (history)...he's retired to Northern Ireland with his wife Naomi. It's really strange calling him by his first name, even after 37ish years. All for now, so take care and hope to hear from you again, soon. Regards David.

Hi again, the Tookies lived in Krefeld, so I'not sure if you have the right ones. Their mum was a realy cool lady, dressed like a hippy, but not quite. Do you remember the snowball fights on the playing fields and the trip to the sewing room either to dry your trousers off or to get them stitched up because the backside had split. We had great fun. Most plytimmes were spent on the playing fields. They were massive. Was it Redmond or Redpath?, he was in Maidstone wasnt he. I remember cos' he would cheer his teams on shouting Ra Ra Maidstone' Ra Ra. Funny how you don't appreciate what great characters they all were when yor young, shame realy. I'm listening to the golden hour at the moment. They ve just played Slade and 'Look Wot U Dun', now it's a young Micheal Jackson. It was TRex yesterday and Jeepster. Fantastic school days. I'm so pleased that this web site is up and running. As you know, when you trvel around a bit, memories become blurred or forgotten about, but this way so any have come flooding bacck. Not always a good thing sometimes. I find myself hankering after them at times, just for alittle bit of it back. What a sad female ay! Any way, It's nice to know that I would'nt change any of it for the world. OK, getting deep here, must be tired, yep, night shift, so it,s off to bed. Course I won,t sleep cos the golden hour is stiil on and the songs are great! Now theyre playing 'Day after Day by Bad Finger. I'm off before I become a real saddo. It's the web sites fault. Take care meantime.

Hey there.. although i wasn't present as a Kentie during these years, (i was an 80's boarder at Medway), i just thought i'd hijack this thread for a moment.
It's great to see so many ex-Kenties sharing these memories. We have a great community spirit and it's all thanks to those who contribute their input to help keep those memories alive.
We do try to keep you up-to-date on events, meet-ups and generally entertained for wherever you maybe.
We are scattered all over this globe, but we feel we have provided a home base for everyone to revisit those happier less appreciated times of our youthful days and maybe find a lost friend or two!
Please feel free to send any pix you may have to our webmeister. Even those strange looking school pix that never seemed to look like who we actually were!
I became a sad female too (nothing wrong in that!)when i revisited the school as a reunion-ite and my first post as a committee member.. a few tissues were needed.
The school, Boarding houses, those who attended with us, taught us, the camps we lived on or made a huge impact on our lives will always be with us.
Keep them comming!! Without your memories, stories and pix to share with others, this site wouldn't be what it has become.
Thanks to you all out there and for supporting us.
Take care
Caz x

hello everyone.
really nice to read everybodies messages, it certainly made me remember the past. I was at kent from 72 to 74, 1st to 3rd years and enjoyed it very much there. My dad was posted at Bruggen all that time and we lived about 100 meters from the swimming pool. I was in canterbury and remember some classmates such as Chris Pullen, Derek Bramley, Kipper(don't remember his correct name, sorry). Other people who went to the school but were in a different class or year include Phillip and Anthony Burgess, Glenn and Dodge Toomey,Anthony Cadwallader,Derek Spicer,John Slade and his mum who was a bus supervisor.
one of the pictures on this website has a class picture which include Glenn Toomey and Phillip Burgess.
Sad to see the old school in such a state.

Hi there,
just been reading the messages and feel very nostalgic...so many memories. I too will be 47 this summer and spent a very happy couple of years at Kent school. I was in Maidstone, my best friend was called Susan Annison, her father was R.A.F., mine army. We used to stay weekends at each others houses. My sister Erika was also at the School at this time and she dated a boy called 'Dino'. We lived next door to the Websters and were friends with Julie Webster. Had a bike too, and yes went everywhere on it. Shared roller skates too.
Does anyone remember the very small science teacher? I can't remember her name, but she was lovely, made science great fun, she used to stand on a milk crate to give lessons.
Hope someone knows of Sue or myself. Funny I often think of the school....best one I ever went to. I always think of it in glorious technicolour and when I left (to go to a dreadful school in N.I) my memories go to blackand white...funny that.

You have jolted my memories of the bus journey from st.Tonis. I remember a lot of singing at the tops of our voices.....mostly 'my ole man's a dustman' and the back of the bus is in a huff!
I don't remember the seats having much padding either.
There was a family of three sisters living in our street, Bernadette, Karen and Vanessa....I think they were from Malta. From St Tonis my friends and I would cycle a long way to a lovely out door pool and on the way home buy chocolate and lemonade from a local pub. We also used to swim in a nearby quarry, shudder now when I think how dangerous it was. There was also a welsh family and I was good friends with the daughter but just can't remember her name. We were all into T-Rex and Alice Cooper. Went to the youth club at weekends and also girl guides, was in Kingfishers!
Julie Webster lived next door, she had an older brother. My sister Erika, also at K.S. seemed to have a lot of boyfriends, the main one seemed to be 'Deano'. Does that ring any bells? I mentioned earlier about Major Ham, I remember now that his son
was called Roger not Tom....
Well I shall be going to the next reunion, so perhaps by that time I may have contacted someone from my class. Just one last thing the school performed the pirates of Penzance...it was really good!
bye for now, Heidix

Hi Lorraine, you might not remember me but we were both in Tonbridge at the same time, maybe even the same class. There was a guy called Vaugn Kent-Payne, saw him on TV as an army Major (Kent) in Bosnia or close to that location. There was also a kid they called 'Snobby'. I saw in one of the entries that Chris Pullen was mentioned I am sure his brother Dave was at Deal as well. We used to have some great 'Socials' at Deal and Chatham at w/ends. There was one kid at Deal whose main claim to fame was to be able to belch like a cannon! He used to go out into the corridor after lights out and let rip, it nearly brought the florescent lights down! At end of term we used to go at night to the staff room at front of house and put all the notices upside down - what cads! Fond memories. I remember Mr McNulty scaring the **** out of us by telling us all about Banshees in Ireland. If you think you remember me or any other names, pse drop a line.

Hello Sarah

I Lived Next Door To Chris Miller, I'm Still In Contact With Debbie Samuels But Was Wondering If You Know Anything About Kerry West, Last I Heard She Was Living In Spain.

(Btw I Was At Kent From 1972 - 1975)
I Am Now 48.

Hi Lorraine - I remember you - think you were in the same year as Karen my younger sister. Kim West and my elder sister Ursula shared a flat in the lat 70's together in Market Rasen. I seem to think that I may have Kerrys address somewhere in a dark corner... I am still living in Nettleham Lincolnshire - where Mum and Dad came back to - married a local farmer so cannot go anywhere... loveley to catch up - you must join us on a mini reu ... Sarah (Strawson)

Hi Lorrine (huphries) and Sarah(weller)

Yes I am living in spain, after accedently getting involved in yachting. my travels eventually led me here to Mallorca where I live in a village with my three sons. Have been here for the past 20 years. Also heard of the news of Chris miller through Lynn page, who now lives in oz. Remember sharron kellor who also lived in lier Sarah you lived opposite me and debbie samuels a few doors away. Sorry to have lost contact with you lorraine after meeting in yorkshire. Have also heard from Sharron Thomas, and Angela Wren who now lives in Spain too.

Hiya Kerry...I was at Kent School from 1971-1973 and knew an Angela Wren (she was in my form (Rochester House, Mr. Ruston). Is she the same Angela Wren that I knew, do you think. I know that she was quite tall, anyone was to me, as I was fairly short then (only 5ft. 8 now). Interesting to hear of the Spanish connections. My own are with Egypt. I go there every year and have done for the past seven. I'm a Chartered Town PLanner, but have an avid interest in Ancient Egyptian, modern Middle Eastern and Islamic history. I've been friends with the former Royal Family of Albania since 1979 (they're muslim), and with the ex-Empress of Iran since 2006 (Empress Farah Pahlavi). Anyway, can you let me know about Angela Wren, PLEASE. Thanx !!! Regards David.

Hi David,

I hav´nt been in touch with Angela for a couple of years, entirely my fault. However, have been meaning to contact her recently. When I do I will pass on your contact details to her. I got in touch with her through friends reuninted through my sister kimmy who was communicating with her eldest sister Janet.

Angela now lives on the mainland of spain, and we have threatened to meet up. I have no idea what she is like now or whether we have anything in common apart from our past, but she was a dear friend and not only did we board together and shared a dorm , but she used to live in lier round the corner from me.

WIll pass on your contact details as mentioned.

Ceri

Hiya Ceri...

Thanx for your reply, and for offering to help re. Angela Wren. I had a bit of nostalgic weekend, just gone, as I was looking at my old school reports from Kent School...some of the subjects were not too bad, but others, well, perhaps it's best not to say anything...especially maths ( I had Miss Groom for two terms and then a Miss Wilson). I think that the maths block was at the back of the science block, in the low-rise former work sheds (there was a car park next to the maths block). I remember having a blackboard rubber thrown at me by Miss Groom, for talking when she'd told me not too !!! Can't do that sort of thing mowadays (throwing blackboard rubbers, I mean). Anyway, Ceri, thanks again. Take care & Best wishes from David.

Stay Happy & Healthy !!!

wasn't the maths block somewhere near the netball courts .. I do remember one teacher I had used to wear a grey lab coat to teach maths in and the boys - never me obviously - used to flick their fountain pens at it ...
Oh happy days ...

Maths block was near the concrete netball courts and behind the science block.I seem to remember there was a part that was conventional i.e. corridors with some classrooms leading off it, and some individual ones with a single door in another part of the same building.Can't be sure as a while ago and I don't remember how I entered or left Mr Gerd's maths class in the 3rd year(76/77) or even if there were windows in the room.I only remember being whacked on the head with a maths book for not paying attention. The previous two years in the maths dept I remember quite well and received no blows to the head at any time.

Hi Bob, unfortunately I don't remember you, least not by name. I feel bad. Could u tell me a bit about urself, then I'd know more. I wonder if u remember the lad that used to bring in those porno mags. Some of those pictures were awful, will haunt me forever. there was also a guy called Kevin, I think. We were in the naughty class for English. We were a bad lot. Used to give that teacher hell. We'd put tacks and glue on her seat, and glue on the blackboard rubber. I'm sure she used to dread our class. Do you remember the Scottish lad? I'm also trying to remember who our registration teacher was. He took us for a subject, can't remember which, but he would throw blackboard rubbers or chalk at us. I have to say, at times I didn't blame him. I do remember John Slade, cos i used to fancy him like mad. School girl crush. I used to be in the hockey team, but I have recolections of playing hockey with u guys. The teachers made us play girls vs boys. It was great fun. Needless to say. u lot won. Do u remember my sister Kath? I'm sure u will, especially if u remember me. Anyway, it would be great if u couuld give my memory a few jerks. It doesn't usualy take much. However, it does seem to be fading a little. I put it down to night shift, it does come back with a few reminders, honest. I'm a nurse, hence the hours. Any way hope to hear from u soon.

Hi Lorraine,

Were you at Chatham whilst I was at Deal? And did you have long straight hair?

I used to have a sneaky gasper at break times either by the big barn or over at the back of the large playin field along the fence by the civvy houses. In fact anywhere where we thought we wouldn't get caught! I'm trying to think how you might remember me. I used to dive in competition, inward pike from the 3m board. Lost top marks one year to smaller lad who went off the 5m platform at the Blue Pool. Mr Lacklison said I was robbed!

I had collar length browny/black hair and was in 1TG to 3TG I think. Used to go to the flicks alot and hung around with Chris Miller (sadly passed away) and David Pullen and others who's names escape me. Snuck over to Chatham a few times after lights out and risking suspension/expulsion. It was exciting though! Don't remember any girls names really apart from Theresa who was Chris's sister. Went to stay with them once when they were in Belgium as Chris and I were great Buddies then and had loads of laughs at Deal House.

Anyway must go and do some chores, I do think often about my time at Kent and have fond memories, seems like only yesterday sometimes.

Take care.

Bob

Just remembering, when we used to go to the Astra Cinema for the matinee on a Saturday morning. We used to go during the week if a good film was showing (remember the Carry On films, and the On The Buses films) (for kids, that is). One time will always stick in my mind..that was one December, near to Christmas time, when we all came out of the cinema, it was a really dark evening, the snow had been falling whilst we were inside watching the film. It was magic!!! The snow was so deep, and still falling. Everything was silent, and this train/truck thing was driving around the camp (Wildenrath) with someone on it dressed as Santa Claus. I'll be 49 next year, but those childhood memories are the best, and hopefully, will remain !!!

This is strange, I have just found this web site, I have been trawling the web on and off for some time, trying to find it. Lo and behold I have just found this thread where somebody is asking where I am. I was in 1/2/3 RR 71-74. We were posted to Sutton Coldfield in 74, and when I left school in 76 I joined the police cadets to do something to fill the time till I was old enough to join the RAF......... I retired from the police force 2 days ago! I have just spent some time looking at this thread, and the names are bouncing of this old slowed down bonce, I am seriously considering doing the trip to Wales in April.

Keir Hart !!! I was the one who asked your whereabouts. I was in 1RR and 2RR with you. We hung around together at Kent School. If I remember corectly, you have blond hair and blue eyes ? You can see my school photo on the cover of this website...maybe you'll remember me from that ? We were posted to RAF Lossiemouth after Germany, then RAF Sculthorpe (Norfolk), then RAF Cardington (Beds.), then RAF Henlow (Beds.) and my dad retired from the RAF in 1977, afterwhich we moved to Chelmsford, Essex. My family have been in Essex ever since. I left schol in Bedfordshire (1976), and from then until 1997 did various jobs, before going to university (1997-2001), to study Environmental/ Town Planning. I now work for a private town planning company, as a Chartered Town Planner (since 2001). Keir, it would be nice to hear from you again, as I regarded you as my closest friend at Kent School, whilst I was there (do you remember Michael Friend, Angela Wren (she lives in Spain, now, I believe), Mary MacFarlane, Pamela Le Carpentier, Peta Jones, Adrian Stroud (he always used to draw "Snoopy"), Jeremy "Jez" Payne/Paine amongst others ? They were all in our class. Do you remember our form room, "The Black Box", and Mr. Ruston, our form teacher ? Anyway, Keir, all for now, as I have to start work (loads to do, today). Please write back as I'd love to know some more about you - particularly life after Kent. Best wishes from David. Stay Happy & Healthy !!!

kier, david, alan have read you posts my family lived in dusseldorf 71-73, danzieger str and my brother paul used to get the bus to kent, at the time i hung about with steven cairns, his dad was RmP (scary) ring any bells? after duss we moved to belgium and boarded at deal, 74-76

Alan, were you in the lower 6th in 73-74, if so I may hate you......... I was always with some of the first pick ups in the morning, so first drop offs at night, I always sat next to Michael Friend who used to be dropped off at the gates of Caernarvon Barracks, there was then another drop off by the traffic lights at the airport end of Kalkumer Strasse, and a sixth former with a moustache who got off there ALWAYS gave me a slap.
I lived in the first block of hirings up by the shops, and there was another lad there called Gordon who was always called Nodrog, his old man was a dental tech with the RAF, we were well into model making in those days, and Gordons dad always had a plentifull supply of scalpels, scrapers, plasticene and other usefull tools. I was rumaging in the attic yesterday looking for old school pics (have sent two to webmaster), opened the model making box, and some of nodrogs dads tools are still there. I am devastated, cannot find 'Ollie' tie, I am sure it was in the house two years ago, if wife has binned it I will personaly take her to Hostert and brick her up in the lower cellars.
ANYBODY ELSE OUT THERE WITH AN OLLIE TIE?

Don't want to clog up maessage board, will e-mail all you Dussies later with update.

Keir take a chill pill its just a tie

It's an excuse to kill the wife though!

Keir...nowit all becomes clear !!! I remember Nodrog (Gordon), from Kent School and that you were into model making. Who was the one who read the Sven Hassel books (can't remember who that was...all I can remember was that he had blond hair). Was it you Keir ? The surname Cairns is familiar, too. When we were posted to RAF Lossiemouth ("Lossie")our neighbours were called Cairns, and they had a daughter called Clair. I don't know if she was from the same family that Alan knew...as my sister, Diane, hung around, at Kent, with a girl called Sandra Cairns. Keir, I lost my Kent School tie in the move to Lossie, and slao my school scarf (grey and black). I did use it for a while in Scotland, and pinned loads of badges to it...including a large ABBA one. Does anyone still speak German, from those days ? I can still speak a lot, as I started learning when I was 10. It's come in handy on holidays to Russia and Egypt, believe it or not !!! Does anyone remember a guy, from RAF Wildenrath caled George Chilvers ? or the McGill brothers Jeff and Cliff, also from Wildenrath ? All for now...David.

Not me with the Sven Hassal books, we used to waste our time on the busses with the top trump cards and commando books. I was the one that always went on about the latest BFBS cheap nasty biro I had won listening to a quiz show between corrie and crossroads on Dutch TV. Used to have to run to phone box by shops to phone in answer, and if I won, got treated to currywurst. Maybe explains why I keep reading trivia and eat too many bratty's.
Did some grey matter searching, sure that Nodrogs old man was due out soon after we left and that they were going to Downham Market area.
Still speak a bit of German, 12 months after leaving Kent, failed my German Oral exam untill I got abusive to examiner in German that wasn't on the GCE syllabus! Last used my Gutter German in anger when I shocked a bus load of Germans when I told the driver what I thought about him and his parentage when he stopped his coach in lane 3 of the M6 so his passengers could watch and photograph us cutting a body out of a wagon. There should be a horror photo of me heading onto the site (my son who is 19 saw it, laughed and said he now knows where his good looks came from, I am sure he was taking to P155, but couldn't get to him on time).

Yep...I remember the curry wurst, VERY well. I used to have to cycle to the local schnell imbiss (when we lived in Geilenkirchen...before moving to Wildenrath), with a list of who wanted what (chips with mayonaise, curry wurst (I really liked that...although I've been a vegetarian, now, for over 10 years). Do you remember those trays they came in with the crimped edges ? Those were definitely the days !!!

Old days? I ONLY eat currywurst off trays with crimped edges