Our Guest Book and Message Board 2001b & 2002a

Hiya! I was a pupil in Mr Bond's class from year 7 through to year 11, and during that time I made some really good friends! But now I live in Blackpool and don't really have any contact with them! The people who I have contact with are Gemma Machen and Steph Kirk (none of which was in my form!) Two people who I really would like to hear from are Emma Lockwood and Laura Chamberlain. So could you please put this message on the ex pupil page and let's just hope I hear from them!!!
ps How is Mr Bond?
Thankyou
Lindsay Davies (May 2001)
mailto:20000366@blackpool.ac.uk Back to top

Mrs. B. Young

I am really impressed with your site. I have had a look at hundreds on the net and yours is fabulous. Well done and all the best in the future. (May 2001)
mailto:bpc.young@virgin.net Back to top

Georgia Brown

Just writing to let you all know that I am keeping well and that I am at college. I would like to come and collect my art work from Mr Moss if that is possible. Please write and tell me how you are all keeping! (May 2001)
mailto:josephinemuncher@hotmail.com Back to top

Dean Haigh

Hi! I left Willowgarth in 1985 and have to say my time was character building to say the least. I was in class Alpha3 and would like to hear from Lee Tallent and anyone else in the mad class for a chat. It would also be good to hear from any of my old teachers who put up with me!!. I am now production manager for a tyre company based in Wakefield.
Cheers Willowgarth and keep up the good web site work!!. (May 2001)
mailto:deanhaigh@talk21.com Back to top

Ricky Jones

I think that the site has improved a lot since I last went on it. It's brill!
Good luck to the rest of the 'Friday Night Fever' Puppeters. London here we come! (June 2001) Back to top

Damon Hall

Hello, I was a pupil at Willowgarth during 1988 - 1991, when such teachers as Mr. Dry (Geoff) and Mrs Richardson (June) were among several of the more influential teachers who tought me at the time. I would like to thank both of the above and the countless others, as I am now a very successful IT Manager for a 20,000 strong European Company call Nexans (formerly Alcatel) who are based in Paris France. Unfortunately I no longer live in the UK on a permanent basis, but web sites like yours often bring a tear to the eye, and the memories flooding back. I must say hello to a few people from the Old Crew :- John Woodcock, Andrew Ramsbottom, Carl Goodyear, Paul Price, Karen Starr and I must also apologise if I have missed anyone from the list (it is long and distiguished, as they say!)
On a final note, I am currently in the UK for the next 6-8 months and would love to visit the old school again, so please contact me if this would be possible...

Finally, I would like to thank the MOST influential teacher I had during my years at school (unfortunately not Willowgarth), Mr Hunt (William) who helped me define my current role in Computers and IT way back when I attended Cudworth Middle School.
Thank you & if anyone knows of a reunion etc.. please let me know......
Regards
Damon Hall
European IT Manager
Nexans
mailto:damon.hall@nexans.com
Visit us at http://www.Nexans.com
(August 2001) Back to top

Cheryl Lodge

Is anyone planning a school reunion for pupils who left in 1984/85. Does anyone have any photos from that time? (August 2001)
mailto:cheryl.brown1@btinternet.com Back to top

Laura Hale

I am interested in teaching in the United Kingdom. I've run a web site with an academic bent for the past year and have volunteered at the local elementary school in the past. I've done baby-sitting during mass for my church. I've been a judge for the regional science fair. In high school, I helped my school develop an "Acceptable Usage Policy" for the Internet and maintained an unofficial school web site for a year. I've wanted to be a teacher for a long time. I have several close friends who live in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and they have said that if I wanted to work some place near them and to teach near them, that the United Kingdom was the place to go.
I've found it difficult to find information on becoming a teacher in the United Kingdom despite, from what I've been told, rather aggressive attempts at hiring. My understanding of pages that I have read at
http://www.canteach.gov.uk/ ,
http://www.britishcouncil.org/education/ ,
http://www.aft.co.uk/ and
http://193.203.154.243/
is that if you are lacking teaching certification, which I am, that there is a means of attaining certification in the United Kingdom which is funded by the school which will hire you which is why I've e-mailed you. My impression, though I'm not entirely certain, is that this is paid for through the "Teacher Training Agency" of the United Kingdom. I'm unclear as to what the requirements are for Americans to enter into this program so that they can become qualified to teach in the United Kingdom. My understanding though is that the basic requirements are that you must have a four year education with a Bachelors degree. This I will have in May of 2002. Another basic requirement is that you must have a C in English and Mathematics. My Grade Point Average at my American University seems to indicate that I would meet that. The last two requirements that I see are ability an ability to work in the United Kingdom. From what I've read, I need to have a some one employee to get a work visa but that shouldn't be a problem. The last requirement seems to be passing a test given to all teacher candidates. I'd be more than happy to prepare for and take the test if I could interpret the above to find out what I need. If I could teach, I'd be interested in teaching Speech, Communications, Media Studies, Web Design, English or something in that area to children between the ages of ten and eighteen years of age as most of my classes have been oriented in that direction. I'd also be interested in teaching a more general type curriculum.
Any and all information and assistance that could be provided about teaching in the United Kingdom would be most welcome.
Sincerely,
Laura Hale
University: Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL, USA)
Degree: Bachelors of General Studies, May 2002
mailto:haleatniu@prodigy.net
(September 2001) Back to top

Cheryl Brown (Lodge)

Please could you ask Mr Watts, if he is still there, what ever happened to the picture or slide show he took of us in France at Cudworth Middle. I would love to try and get hold of them. The year was about 1980/81. Mr Hunt was there and I think Mr Grayson.
mailto:cheryl.brown1@btinternet.com
(October 2001) Back to top

Maxine Tromeur (nee Maxine Hughes)

Hi Everybody at Willowgarth,
What a fantastic web site. I have had such a lot of fun looking around your site. It brought back a lot of memories. When I left Cudworth Middle School, I'm not sure if I came to Willowgarth as I left Cudworth and moved to France with my parents. Unfortunately, France didn't suit me and I returned for the last year at the school. I can't remember what class I was in (maybe someone can remind me) but I do remember enjoying it there. If anyone would like to contact me (ex-pupils or staff) please do so I would love to hear from you. After living in London for 12 yrs I now live in Devon where I run a Post Office and General Store with my partner and 3 children.
That's all for now.
Maxine Tromeur (nee Maxine Hughes)
P.S Year at school 1978-1979
mailto:maxine.t@btopenworld.com
(December 2001) Back to top

Sandra Carver

Sandra Cooil formerly know as Sandra Carver (Left 1978). I now live in Wakefield. I have lived here for seventeen years. I have just remarried and have three children. The youngest being 15 months old. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
mailto:trcooil@netscapeonline.co.uk
(December 2001) Back to top

Ben Birchall

Hello to all concerned.
My name is Benjamin Birchall (Benny) and I left WHS in 1987. Firstly let me congratulate the school on what must be the most comprehensive and informative web site I have seen for a long time. Looking at some of the pictures brought memories flooding back, even the seating arrangements in the science block have not changed for over a decade! I still remember some familiar faces too; Miss Chamberlain (form teacher), Mrs Tickle, Mr Campbell, Mr McKenzie and Mr Saul to name a few. I think Miss Chamberlain and Mrs Tickle should remember me if you pass my name around the staff room. Say hi to anyone who knows me, and thanks for putting up with me! Has Mr Wiles retired? I clearly remember him being quite an inspiration to me both as a teacher and a person, even if I seemed pre-occupied with teenage angst. Strange but I still have over a dozen exercise books from my days at Willowgarth. After moving house recently I looked inside the scrawled and scribbled covers only to be amazed by lots of technical and mathematical questions and answers to which I would now find difficult to answer. It was also nice to see the usual sight of teachers red marks and corrections, including the obligatory 'see me!' On a serious note, it was reassuring to know that 1 had a good and thorough schooling. After I left Willowgarth I landed a temporary job prior to joining the Royal Air Force in 1989 as an engineer. I served for 10 years in total, during which times re-sat some of my failed GCSE's, gained an HNC distinction in media and also studied journalism. I left the service two years ago and forged a career in press photography at the Lincolnshire Echo ( http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/index.jsp ) newspaper. I am currently a fully qualified press photographer working for the Bristol Evening Post ( http://www.thisisbristol.com/index.html ). I recently won a press award and am looking forward to marriage with a Barnsley lass I have known for seven years. It is heart warming to know that so many pupils from WHS have done so well. I am proud to say I attended. Keep up the good work.
Regards
Ben Birchall
mailto:benbirchall@blueyonder.co.uk
(December 2001) Back to top

Lindsey Cooper

I was at Willowgarth in the early seventies (I left in 1975 to train to be a teacher in Newcastle). I stumbled on to your website through the Friends Reunited site and was delighted to find it. The old photos really brought some memories back and I remember many of the teachers on the list. I remember Mr Wilby very well - he taught me 0 level Biology and it was only his steadfast belief that my friend (Anne) and myself didn't have a cat in hell's chance of passing the exam that actually got me through - I don't know who was more astonished when I passed - me or him! I doubt he remembers me but if he does, please say hello to him for me. I also have fond memories of Mr McKenzie, who I seem to remember went to Canada for a year during my time there. I have very happy memories of Willowgarth and hope all your present pupils can say the same in 20+ years time.
I have a photo of myself and a group of friends circa 1974, sat on the raised beds at the front of the school - when I get time I'll find it and e-mail it to you for your archives.
Regards to everyone at Willowgarth,
Lindsey Cooper
mailto:lindscooper@aol.com
(January 2002) Back to top

Darren Fowden

Well, what can be said, this is one of the best websites I have had the pleasure of fully viewing. It is well laid out and easy to navigate. I was a pupil at Willowgarth and left in 1992. The last year of school for me was disastrous mostly for personal reasons and I left with nothing. Along the way I have made too many similar mistakes without having the excuse of personal reasons, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't be where I am now. I work for the fastest growing company in stationery supply. http://www.owa.co.uk/
I have been married since June 2001 and my wife is expecting our first child in May 2002. I now live in Lowestoft, Suffolk, just a stone's throw from Gt. Yarmouth. I've had a massive walk down memory alone just viewing this site, as I can barely remember anything from way back then (only 10 years ago). I've kept in touch with one or 2 friends but not many. I tried tracking down a few good old friends but with little luck. I don't often get chance to get back to Grimethorpe these days, so I would love to hear from anyone who remembers this strange little guy called Darren Fowden, even if it's just to say "Hi, how're you doing?" So even if you are looking for the same thing, maybe I know something about someone you want to know about. Give me a shout. I'd love to be able to help out.
The one person I do most want to know about is Melanie Taylor from Cudworth. If you know anything or can tell me how to get in touch, I'd be most appreciative. Oh yeah, I was in Mrs. Clayton's Form, so if that helps, then great. Well thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope to hear from you soon,
Darren Fowden
2 contact emails-
mailto:nedwof@manutd.com
mailto:nedwof@hotmail.com
(January 2002) Back to top

Susan Wilks (now McAllister)

I left Willowgarth in 1979 and went to St Andrews University where I studied languages, having been much inspired by Mr Dry and Mrs Taylor among others. I graduated in 1983 and joined the Civil Service. In 1986 1 moved across to the Prison Service, where I have spent the last 15 years. I am currently Governor of HMP Gartree in Leicestershire. This is a prison for males serving life imprisonment. I still get back to Grimethorpe now and again and have a real affection for Willowgarth and the very rounded education I received there.
mailto:susan.mcallister@virgin.net
(January 2002) Back to top

Sandra Littlewood (now Gray)

I was a pupil at Willowgarth, from 1970-1975. After leaving school I worked in Wakefield in retail, for a few years, then I met my future husband and went to live in Castleford. We married in 1986, and emigrated to Canada in 1987. We now live in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with our two daughters Victoria 12 and Rebecca 8. My husband Tony, is an engineer in the auto industry, and works over the border in the U.S. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me (my old teachers included),
Sandy.
mailto:anthony.gray@sympatico.ca
(January 2002) Back to top

Nigel Gell

Came across the Web site whilst browsing Friends Re-united. Brought back some great memories - especially seeing the old rugby and field trip photos. After leaving school I took a teaching degree and have been working in Further Education for the past 20 years. Currently I am a Director at Derby College. I would be grateful if you would pass on my regards to Dave McKenzie, Ron Wilby and Colin Campbell all of whom played a significant part in my school and rugby life. Best wishes also to Kath Ward if you are still in touch. Attached is yet another rugby photo from those heady days of the early 70's. I will, when I have more time, dig out the field trip pics.
Regards,
Nigel Gell
Willowgarth High School
1971-76
mailto:nigel.gell@virgin.net
(January 2002) Back to top

Nick Key

Hi anyone. Can you remember me? I was that one with the beard. I'm now working at Superdec in Cudworth. l don't do much apart from counting nails and driving a big white van. If there's anyone out there that wants to get in touch, please feel free to email me.
See Ya!
Nick Key
1993-1998
mailto:cbarrowclough23@aol.com
(January 2002) Back to top

Debbie Rowe (now Eaton)

Just to say thanks for the memories I have just relived looking at this website! Great! I left Willowgarth in 1985, to go to Southampton University. I got a degree in Spanish and am now working as a lecturer in Spanish in the North West. I would love to know what happened to Mr O'Neill, my old Spanish teacher and Mr Dry. Also, anyone who was in Alpha I or 2 between 1981 and 85 (when I left the sixth form).
Thanks again for a good wallow in my memories. All the best!
Debbie
mailto:debbie@theeatons.freeserve.co.uk
(January 2002) Back to top

Garry Wilson

On Mr. Horton's page (Index 2), the boy on the top left corner of the photo in the metalwork room is Garry Wilson around 1960-61 Class 3b. Time dims the memory. Oh, by the way, that's me. As you can see by the ISP, I'm in Australia. I left the UK in 1970 and settled here in Adelaide with my wife Christine and son. I followed my trade as an electrician and enjoyed every minute of every day of my life here. Sun, sea and no winters like Grimethorpe. Thanks for the interesting site of Willowgarth. Things change, but it still brings back memories.
Regards
Garry Wilson
mailto:wilsongarry1@iprimus.com.au
(January 2002) Back to top

Christine Marshall (nee Roberts)

I enjoyed the time spent reminiscing and exploring the site. I would like to make a correction to the netball photo - the Christine is me and the girl top right is Rosamund Pawson.
Many thanks,
Chris Marshall (Roberts)
mailto:keith.chris@btinternet.com
(February 2002) Back to top

Samantha Batty

My name is Samantha Batty and I am a former pupil of Willowgarth. I now live in Sydney Australia. I would be most grateful if you could pass my email address on to Bev Vosper who was formerly my PE teacher, and Tracey Allen who played in the same hockey team as me. I am sure they will both remember me well and I would love to get back in touch with them.
Thanks,
Samantha Batty
mailto:sambattyau@yahoo.com.au
(February 2002) Back to top

Julie Gaddes (Haywood}

I would just like to say hello to anyone who remembers me. Reading through the site brought back some great memories. It was also good to see several teachers who taught me, still working at the school.
I live very close to the school, in Brierley and would not move away for the world, Brierley and Gnmethorpe people are still the most friendly people I have ever come across. I am happy to have been brought up in Grimethorpe and to have been a student at Willowgarth from 1984-1987.
From leaving school I went to Bamsley college, where I qualified as a chef. I worked in catering for several years. I now work as a Learning Support Assistant in a pupil referral unit in Wakefield. This is a very demanding Job but I love it!
The most important thing that has happened to me in my life was when I met the man that later became my husband! I now have 3 children who I adore. I feel my family are my greatest success.
I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Julie Gaddes
mailto:haywoodjulie@aol.com
(February 2002) Back to top

Debra Hutchinson (now Middleton)

Hi,
I am an ex-pupil of Willowgarth High. I left in 1985. I remember Mr. Saul who was one of my teachers back then. When I attended the school, Mr Fisher was my Form Teacher and my Physics teacher. What ever happened to him? I am currently living in the Doncaster area, and I run a Management Consultancy Company with my husband of 10 years. We have 2 children, Adam aged 8 and Ben aged 5. I would be very interested to find out what happened to all the teachers and pupils from my very enjoyable 3 years at Willowgarth. If you can help in any way, please do.
Debra Hutchinson (now Middleton)
mailto:debra.middleton@totalise.co.uk
(March 2002) Back to top

Kevin Bates

G'Day Dave,
On the image "greenhouse1.jpg" the teacher sixth from the left is Mr. Noble who taught us Rural Studies if my memory is correct. I left in 1968.
Kevin
mailto:kevinbates1@ozemail.com.au
(March 2002) Back to top

Index