Thundersley Primary School - 1921 Onwards

Diary of Noteworthy Events - 1921 onwards

When staff at Thundersley Primary School allowed us to borrow and scan the school’s historical photos and documents, little did we know what an insight into the schools history it would provide us with.

Several photos and a diary of noteworthy events are shown on this page.  The diary of events forms part of a work produced by Jeanette Quantrill née Case, a former pupil of the school.  The full Potted History is available to view on this site by clicking the link.

A photo of the school is shown below.  Taken some time in the early 1930s, at which time the Headmaster was Colonel Bransden.

Also below, a small extract from the diary of events.  The full diary is shown at the bottom of this page and can also be viewed in the ‘Potted History’.

A gentleman who is mentioned many times in the school’s Log Book and Minute Book is William Henry Sheridan.  Described at the time as a landowner and philanthropist, William Sheridan gifted many items and funded many events at the school.  For 35 years he resided at ‘Gate House Farm’ Kiln Road, Thundersley, during which time he was a frequent visitor to the school.

Locally, William Sheridan was known as a kind and generous man, to whom no worthy cause ever appealed to him in vain.

A photo below shows Mr Sheridan (with the large white beard), attending an annual tea party for the elderly residents of the village, a function which he supported.

The following photos were held by the school but little information is known. If anyone can help us to identify the children or teachers, please contact us via the add a comment section at the bottom of this page.

The last eight pages pages feature noteworthy events in date order.  The dates range from 1921 through to 1971 when the school celebrated its 50th anniversary.  This information is followed by details on staff appointments, together with details of various presentations made to the school over the years.

Thundersley Primary School c. 1930s
Diary of noteworthy events.
Thundersley Primary School
Class photo - date unknown. Colonel Bransden stands at the back, far right but who is the lady seated at the front wearing a fur coat?
Thundersley Primary School
Landowner and philanthropist - William Henry Sheridan c.1917
From the book 'Thundersley A Pictorial History' by Terry Babbington
Class II - Taken in 1921 the school's first year. Standing back left - Headmaster Colonel Bransdon and back right - teacher Mr Williams.
Thundersley Primary School
Class III - taken in 1922. Colonel Bransdon, Headmaster stands at the back, far right.
Thundersley Primary School
Digging for Victory - During the 2nd World War schools were required to help the war effort. These pupils can be seen preparing the 40 plots required, each measuring 30ft x 10ft. The roller being used by one of the boys was made at the school.
Thundersley Primary School
Digging for Victory
Thundersley Primary School
Thundersley Primary School c. 1955
Thundersley Primary School
This building was used as a dining hall and it is also where the 11+ examinations took place.
Thundersley Primary School
Dining Hall and climbing frame
Thundersley Primary School
Diary of noteworthy events.
Thundersley Primary School
Diary of noteworthy events.
Thundersley Primary School
Diary of noteworthy events.
Thundersley Primary School
Diary of noteworthy events.
Thundersley Primary School
Diary of noteworthy events.
Thundersley Primary School
Diary of noteworthy events.
Thundersley Primary School
Diary of noteworthy events.
Thundersley Primary School
Diary of noteworthy events.
Thundersley Primary School

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  • Oh yes i didn’t leave her maiden name did i!! It was Mount. I will visit mum soon and ask her where she lived. It would be great to remind her of those days as she recalls them with fondness.

    Sorry Dan, the family I remember had the surname Almond but hopefully someone out there might recall Jean Mount.

    By Daniel Lee Palmer (19/03/2022)
  • I am trying to find out anything i can about my mother’s time at school. She must of attended in the 1940’s.Mum had 2 sisters Kate and Sylvia and mum was Jean. Unfortunately mum has Alzheimers now and is in a care home but we can get a smile when she remembers her time at school. I know it’s a longshot but i hope someone can help.

    Editor: Hi Dan, it’s possible that I knew your mum. Did she live at the top of Bread & Cheese Hill on Kiln Road? Also, could you let us know her maiden name as this would help with the school search.

    By Dan Palmer (18/03/2022)
  • I have a photograph of Class 1 of 1921 including my Mother. Can I upload it?

    Editor: Since sending in this comment, Trevor has provided us with some photos/cuttings which have now been published, please click here to view.

    By Trevor Powell (08/04/2018)

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