Identity Parade: Woodlands Park School 1954, Can you help?

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Wilson on May 23, 2025 at 2:34

Hi jim, I was there in that year, I had Mr Hobson, I remember Mr Podd and miss Cox, I think I only recognise one, is that George cole in the middle of centre row, fair hair? A great photo of the times

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Permalink Reply by John Shulver on May 24, 2025 at 18:35

Unfortunately can't help you Jim.  That pic is a year or two before my time but what a great treasure to have.  I've no records of my time there and this I think is the first photo I've seen of that era.  Two characters immediately caught my eye : First that poor character (your classmate) and second that bruiser to right of him with rolled down socks ! Would that be you ??  But your mate certainly looks a poor soul.  Any more info ?  Good stuff Jim.

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Permalink Reply by brian granville on May 25, 2025 at 22:36

Hello Jim:

I was at Woodlands Park 1951 to 1954 but can't identify any one apart from Mis Cox and Mr. Podd.  My favourite teacher was Mr. Hobson who I think came to work on a scooter.  I heard that he committed suicide over a woman but don't know any details.

Brian

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Flavell on May 30, 2025 at 9:58

Hi Jim,
Nice to see this picture. I was trying to work out where it was taken based on the current Chestnuts Primary buildings - perhaps in the front playground where there is now a row of fruit trees in a bed of soil along the rear of the right half of this photo.

Good luck with your search.

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Permalink Reply by Sandra Carter on May 30, 2025 at 19:06

I was at Woodlands Park school from 1948 and the children were all turned out looking neat and tidy. There were certainly no raggamuffins nor "toffs" (with fancy cravat, pocket handkerchief and smarmed down hair) as in the front row right of the photo. I'm wondering whether they were in costume for something.

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Permalink Reply by John Shulver on June 3, 2025 at 17:46

Made me chuckle Sandra !  I was there from around '56-'60 and we definitely had a few 'ragamuffins' there in my time but no 'toffs' !  Of course the school was split boys and girls then.  So we are calling on Jim to answer............

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