When a new batch of “rookie” students arrived at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School they were split alphabetically into three groups called Shells 1, 2 & 3. Don’t ask me why the term shell was used!
The attached photograph is of Shell 2 in, I think, 1947. The teacher at the front was Brian Reading (could be Redding!) and among the pupils I remember are Reg Lawson, Denis Morton, Geoff Meakin, John Marsh, David Gibbons, John Gregory, Danny Owen, Warwick Page, Brian Gaunt and Rex Norman. That’s Rex – the tallest one on the back row – that’s me next but one to him on his left, looking rather bewildered.
Like me, any survivors will now be in their eighties, but it would be great to hear from you.
1940s at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School new boys in 1947
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My brother, Gerald Wilkinson, known to many as Prof Wilkinson was born in 1934, passed his scholarship, went to Nottingham University, and met his wife Eileen David there
The teacher shown is definitely Bernard Redding. He was my former wife’s father and was educated in France. As stated above, Bernard was an accomplished organist/pianist. Unfortunately, he died in the late 1950s from peritonitis, while still young.
My dad Kenneth Brown was a pupil here, he was born in 1926. There are photos somewhere of General Montgomery on a tour of the school taken sometime after the end of the war.
I was a Shell 2 boy the previous year 1946, and remember Mr. Redding. Payed a visit to the old school 2 years ago, now an Academy, apparently with not too good a reputation. Place looked shabby. Escorted by a teacher who was Master of Sterne House wearing jeans etc!!
Said it all.
I remember several of those on the photograph of Shell 2. Rex Norman, Jimmy Marshall, Brian Gaunt, Warwick Page, Geoff Meakin, Dennis Morton and Denis Jewsbury.
Jimmy Marshall, Hi there… remember the dreaded Albert … ‘He’ll get me Gord’ you used to whisper, but we all heard it ….
I recently came across an old photograph, probably from the late 40’s, showing myself and seven pals, taken on the playing fields of Queen Elizabeth’s. It’s of particular interest for the fact that one of those pictured is David Taylor who went on to become a popular master at QEGS.
Check it out on “Early 50’s At Queen Elizabeth’s”
The teacher was Bernard Redding, who taught French to the lower school (‘Jerry’ Hunter, the deputy head, was the senior French teacher).
Mr Redding was a remarkable pianist, who used to entertain us with classical pieces on the grand piano in the hall, every morning before assembly. As a sideline, he was the regular organist at Clumber Park chapel.
I am very flattered that Jim even remembers my name from 72 years ago.
I have very happy memories of Shell 2 and the friends that I made there. Happy hours with Danny O and Geoff Meakin with Mr Pugh at Gymnastics club, learning to throw a pretty fair javelin alongside ‘Ibbo’ Ibbotson.
It would, as Jim writes, be very nice to be in touch again with any classmates still with us.
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