OGPS Alumni Page

I started Oliver Gold Smith the day it opened .. September 1937. I remember it well ... Miss Cheeserite was my Teacher .. I was just five yrs old!... Name then Jean Basten..

Comment by Jean Eyres — 6 years ago

I began my teaching career at Oliver Goldsmith at 2007 as a fresh-faced NQT rookie. In the five years I spent at the school I taught in Year 5 and Year 6, before finally leaving to teach in my home country Kenya in 2012. Oliver Goldsmith developed me into the teacher I am today (current Year 8 form teacher with specialism in KS2 and KS3 Maths). I am grateful to so many of the former and still current staff that I worked closely alongside for sharing their considerable expertise and experience, which helped to hone my teaching skills and has led me to considerable success in subsequent teaching jobs after OGS life. My fondest memory of OGS is undoubtedly the family- like atmosphere that the staff, children and parents create together. This really, for me, makes it such a successful school. Happy birthday OGS! Tamara De Melo (2007-2012 Staff Member)

Comment by Tamara De Melo — 6 years ago

Dad used to make the harvest loaf every year shaped as a wheat sheaf and mice running up it very fond memories of jolly golly

Comment by Darren emmind — 6 years ago

I went to OGS between 1974 and 1977, great school, used to go swimming on the coach at Willesden every Wednesday, rounders in the park opp at the rear of the school, Raymond Mooteealoo

Comment by Raymond Mooteealoo — 6 years ago

I was at the school from 1955 till 1966 then moved onto Tyler's Croft - my 2 sons also attended the school mark Purenins from 1979 till 1990 and Karl Purenins from 1985 till 1996 - for many years I was involved in the Parents Association fundraising and organising many events - as Chairperson I had many happy fruitful years being involved with the school Myself and others organised the 50th anniversary celebrations - a time capsule was made at the time and stored in Mrs Knowlers office linda Purenins

Comment by Linda purenins — 6 years ago

I was there from 74 to 80 and remember football in the playground, 3 legged races at sports day, marbles on the drains, an ice cream if the football team won, some great teachers and 6 wonderful years. I also loved school dinners except coleslaw and even loved cheese and egg flan. I take my children back to Kingsbury occasionally. Would love to be able to go back into Olly Golly.

Comment by Adam Slater — 6 years ago

I was a pupil at Ollie Gollie from 1959 to 1964. Followed my Dad, Eric Stringer, cousin Michael Stringer and was married next door in Holy Innocents Church in 1981. My teachers were Miss H , Miss Cook and Mr Spicer. My favourite memories are of Miss Starkey's and Mr Mander's annual musicals. I even have a photo of one that my Dad took part in many years before. Mrs Linton sewing classes also stand out in my mind. I now live in Chestermere, Alberta Canada having moved here 24 years ago. My family is on the south coast in Rustington.

Comment by Marilyn King (nee Stringer) — 6 years ago

I remember the amazing Xmas disco when the ice cream van used to rock up and we’d all go crazy! If you were cheeky you’d ask for chocolate AND strawberry sauce! Great times! My kids now go to the school and our making their own beautiful memories! A great school with great teachers... always a really happy environment! Happy birthday OGPS!

Comment by Xane Panayiotou — 6 years ago

I was there untill just befor starting secondary school so i would have left around 1980 approximately if i remember right my teacher was miss richards she seem very tall to me. Also mr green i think putting my hand up at lunch time to help on the garden also assembly i used to hate sitting at the front as the head would rock back and forth on there toes and i would think they would fall on me

Comment by Donna Callus — 6 years ago

I attended Oliver Goldsmith School when it first opened . I remember the head master Mr. C. Smith and teachers Miss Cheeseright, Mr. Spicer, Mr Maunders and I believe Miss /Mrs West and the infant Head Teacher Miss/Mrs Meyer. I remember the caretaker well but unfortunately I don't remember his name. My strongest memory is the long corridors with all the classrooms having blue coloured solid doors which opened outwards so if you were walking along the corridor when the bell rang for playtime/lunch etc. it would hit you! I had very happy times at Ollie Gollie and am so pleased you have such a great Head Teacher in Mr. Simmons who I have the pleasure of knowing for many years.

Comment by Roy Howard — 6 years ago

I began Olly Golly in 1954/55 aged 5 living in High Meadow Cres. and left to go to Tyler's Croft Sec. Modern aged 11. I adored Oliiy Golly with Miss Cook being my heroine as well as our form teacher in my last year, plus PE teacher! She used to smoke Pall Mall king sized cigarettes! Mr. Manders frightened the life out of me, with his deep voice and penetrating gaze behind those specs! Miss Linton and Mrs. Norfolk were adorable - I didn't have much to do with Mr. Spicer although he seemed kind, I remember Mr. Heasman I think. Head teacher at this time was Miss Jones, and at one stage, after morning Assembly, I used to sit in her office and write out stories for the younger children. I loved writing even then, and have gone on to write for pleasure, mainly children's stories but the Christian genre also. I have written many worship songs, and often write letters of influence to MP's, Royalty, celebrities and the like, so obviously a gift with words still remains my speciality! Thanks to Google Earth, I have a photo of Olly Golly on my wall, and often wander down memory lane as I gaze at it. We couldn't have had a better start in life than dear old Olly Golly....Holy Innocents church next door was where my 5 siblings and I were Christened, and went to Sunday School! I will never forget the long haul up the hill to the school gates, but of course home time was a breeze, as downhill all the way! Thanks to social media, I still keep in touch with old Olly Golly pals....long may you continue to inspire, encourage and illuminate the minds of the little ones who are yet to cross your thresh-hold! I will def. be with you on the Big Day in 2018! x

Comment by Annette Showler (nee Andrew) — 6 years ago

As the current Headteacher of OGPS, I am very proud to be part of the Oliver Goldsmith community. It is important to me that in my time of leading the school we don’t forget the strengths and traditions of the past but at the same time, work to create an even brighter future! There is always space to start new traditions such as our Learning Adventures or Year 6 Graduation Books! On my first visit to the school, I was taken on a tour and can remember the very positive ethos that came from the staff, children and their displays. OGPS came across as a friendly, supportive and successful school with lots of potential. However, my memories of the school go much further back than becoming Headteacher in April 2015 as I grew up in the local area. My father used to work for a company called Harry Neal Ltd which was based across the road from the school, now the site of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir. Sometimes in the holidays, I would sit in my father’s office and ask him about the school over the road! Neither he, nor I would have guessed that years later I would be the Headteacher! As I said at the start, I am very proud to be the Headteacher at OGPS and dedicate myself to making the school the school very best it can be; to truly “inspire a love of learning” in all the children, staff and parents we serve, both now and in the future.

Comment by James Simmons — 6 years ago

I was at Olly Golly from 1966 to 1973. Headmistress for infants was Miss Jones, then Mrs D G Reilly. Headmaster for juniors was Mr R A Webber. Other teachers I remember - Mrs Grey (infants) Mrs Norton, Mrs Linton, Mr Spicer, Mr Snell, Mrs Clark, Miss Starvis and Cyril Manders. I remember the school plays put on by Cyril Manders and Miss Starvis. I also remember Coco the Clown coming to visit, giving one of his famous road safety talks. And I remember a lot of the pupils. Where are you now Christine, Bonita, Sally, Karen, John, Dean, Keith, Denver, Darren, Linda etc. Still in touch with one. Antony. I lived on Springfield Gardens, just round the corner from school. Loads of memories of it really, too many to list here. Great days. Just share this one - having the school guinea pigs at home during the holidays, Sugar & Spice. And the newts during another hol. Still an animal lover.

Comment by Fran (ces) Strahan — 6 years ago

I remember just being at OGPS . The school transformed me into the hardworking person I am today. I am forever grateful and in deep debt to the school. I cannot wait to arrive and visit again soon .Thank You Mr Simmons for being a great head teacher for my last year in primary school

Comment by Faiza Sulieman — 6 years ago

I was at Oliver Goldsmith from 1966-1973. Infant teachers were Miss Harty (someone I seem to remember as a South African goddess), Mrs Richardson, Miss (Sally) King (my first love!). Junior teachers were Miss Linton (who became Mrs Jaquier) and Miss Starvis. My uncle and aunt were taught by Mr (Cyril) Manders and Mr (Charles) Spicer at the school which OGS replaced in the 1930's. Seeing Fran's post, we must have been in the same class ... and I too remember taking Sugar (the guinea pig home for half term! I moved away from Kingsbury when I went to University in 1982. I subsequently lived in on the Surrey / Berkshire borders, and now Los Angeles. My parents still live on the Springfield Estate in the house my grandparents purchased when it was built in 1930. We were privileged to get a great foundation to our education at OGS.

Comment by Den(ver) Murray — 6 years ago

I want a badge! Great school, great teachers. Mr Webber was the head & Miss Starvis & Mr Manders were my favourites. Also liked Miss Evans when I was in the infants. I remember Denver Murray saying he wanted to be a paediatrician when he left school. I hope he made it he was a good kid.

Comment by Bonita Keys — 6 years ago

I attended Olly Golly from 56-62. My older sister (Jenny) and 2 younger bothers (Jeremy and John) also attended, with all of us going on to KCGS. We lived in Mead Court, High Meadow Crescent and Coniston Gdns. I have some old class photo's and I'm pleased to say I can remember most of my classmates names. I share some of the same memories as other bloggers. One thing I definitely agree on is that OGPS gave me a great start in life and taught me many of life's values.

Comment by Jeff Parkin — 6 years ago

I loved my time at Oliver Goldsmith, had such a great first year teacher Miss White who really encouraged to get the best from me. I remember constantly putting on plays and then doing a dance for the fourth year leavers disco! Got my love of sport there too!

Comment by Marina Bertacchi — 6 years ago

Bonita ... I remember you too. I wanted to be a Doctor, but didn't get the A-level grades needed. I worked for the Medical Research Council for a bit, and then moved into IT, where I've spent most of my career.

Comment by Den(ver) Murray — 6 years ago

I was at Olly Golly until 1993. Mrs Knowler was the headteacher and her daughter was in my class. Teachers i remember so fondly include Mrs Cavdarski and my all-time favourite teacher, Mr Blacklock. Others I had the ultimate respect for (but also feared a bit too hehe), include Ms 'deadly' Hedley. Some incredible memories of such a wonderful, enjoyable time in my school life. I'd love to go back and see how it's all changed.

Comment by Daniel Brothers — 6 years ago

My brother and I were at Olly Golly in the 1970's when Mr Webber was head. We both have such fond and warm memories of this school and the teachers. The school plays created by the wonderful Mr Manders and Miss Starvis were fantastically creative, especially his song writing skills! I remember Mr Snell, Mr Spicer (who taught maths and I feared) and other teachers of that era. It was such a welcoming school even then. I particularly remember the fantastic Harvest festival assemblies which always produced a great spread of donations on the stage, and the wonderful models villages we made, as well as learning cursive writing for the first time. I also remember my good friend Debbie who lived right next door to the school in Coniston Gardens and being invited to her house for tea after school!

Comment by Sonia Duggal — 6 years ago

I am Andrew Lyons and was born in 1943. The war was on and my family went into our air raid shelter for safety. Our house, on the top of Hay Lane, looked over Hendon Aerodrome where the planes flew from. My brother sat on the top of the shelter to look at the planes. Rushed into the shelter if any had crosses on them! Keith was 6 years older than me, and my sister Pam was 9 years older and we all went to the school. My dad was an air raid warden and was on duty at night. My mum walked us back and forth to the school. I liked it there and remember it in part. I remember learning about the plants and the animals, and drawing. I did my tables to 12 and I was good at them. Writing and story telling too. Such good and kind teachers. I gained good friends. But above all, it was Music! I started as a Choir Boy at Holy Innocents when I was seven. As a treble I was in the front row, and my father and grandfather stood behind me as basses. Male voice only! But at school there were operettas written by Mr Manders. I sang in one, The Highwaymen, and I was one of the two apprentices to the Highwayman. There is only one song I remember - sung by the Highwayman and we joined in. He gave us some of the coins. It went 'One for you, and one for me'. His pile grew faster than ours and we looked bewildered! Music was the underpinning of my life. I went with others to Kingsbury County Grammar School when we were 11 and did lots of things there and still keep in touch with the Old Students. Sport and Music were important to me. I studied Piano, Singing and the Organ and still continue. I am 75 now and my hands aren't as good as they were. I still sing, at Guildford Cathedral, as a Bass Baritone. I trained as an Engineer and later became a Design and Technology Teacher, then an Adviser, then Head Teacher of an Advisory team for 14-18 education for Newham, then a District Inspector there, and then I joined Ofsted as an Inspector part time and travelled all over to primary and secondary schools, and specialised in Special Educational needs. Retired now after 25 years with them, and doing other things. The reason I could was the foundation I gained at Ollie Gollie. God Bless You!

Comment by Andrew Lyons — 6 years ago

I was at Olly Golly between 72-79 and reading the blog has brought back some lovely memories. I was there for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977, the same year Virginia wade won Wimbledon. Us second years (Year 4 now) made a giant frieze of the Jubilee Coach under the creative eyes of Mrs (Sue) Walton & Mrs (Gina) Ainsworth: also the best Country Dancing teachers ever. I might be wrong but I think our Year 6 undertook the first residential trip the school ever did in May 1979: Mr (Craig) Barnes and Mrs Davies took us all off to Llandudno for a week. I still have my diary that we all made and kept. I recreated the visit with my son in 2014. Sadly I couldn't find the Ventnor Hotel on the front but it brought back very happy memories. Thank you Olly Golly.

Comment by Sue Coffey — 6 years ago

I joined OG in 1952. I was under the age of 5 and our classroom was on the fround floor with a door onto the playground. We would have a nap in the afternoon on little beds. I can’t remember much about the infants’ school but will cherry pick a couple of good bits of my time in the junior school when I was in Miss Blissetts class and she taught us well. Miss Cowie was the terrifying Head Mistress who ran the junior school as if it were an army camp. We would dread our names being called out in morning assembly because we knew this meant trouble. However, one morning she called out my name and went on to read out my biblical story of The Good Pilgrim. She then congratulated me as I stood trembling and wishing I was invisible. I think I’m right in saying that in the fourth year the classes were separated into boys and girls only. I would always go home at lunchtime but one day I accidentally left at Breaktime. I was halfway home when I realised that it wasn’t lunchtime and, by the time I got back to school the teacher was panicking and looking for me. I must have been about 8. There was little kindness towards the kids and little in the way of achievement recognition. In those days the kids were full of homelife secrets that they could never disclose to teachers.

Comment by Gillian Bullion — 6 years ago

I was born in the front bedroom of 29 Ennerdale Drive in 1940 and sill living there in 1945 when I was enrolled into Oliver Goldsmith School. It was a short journey from our house up the hill, and my first experience of full time education. I can only remember corridors, a school type odour, and very vague memories of a classroom and playground, though I have a clearer memory of someone’s hat or cap being thrown onto the branch of a Monkey Puzzle tree at number 64 Coniston Gardens. Sadly the tree has gone now (2018) as the house owners have concreted over the garden to accommodate a motor vehicle. I didn’t stay at the school long and I don’t know why, but I do recall disliking the experience, and my mother having trouble getting me to go on my own. Mum would take me all the way to the school at the beginning, but it was not long before I was expected to go on my own. She would see me off, but soon after would see me from the front window having only walked a short distance. She would then take me part of the way and tell me to continue on to school, but I can remember following her back down the hill, and when she discovered my presence, she warned me in no uncertain terms to return to the school or receive “ ….. a damned good smack!” I would like to join you in your celebrations on Saturday 30th June 2018. May I be included?

Comment by Gerald MacManus. — 6 years ago

Hi My name is Nicola Long ( nee Powell) I am 59 and my mother is Marion Powell, (82) and we both attended Oliver Goldsmith School. I remember Rehearsing for school plays under the direction of Mr Manders and Miss Starvis, one of which was “ The dreams of Cayontas” (although I may have the spelling wrong) Running , jumping on our satchels on the ground and sliding along the icy playground. Playing netball for the school team. Giving the school dinners names, “brick wall and cement” which was a rice crispie square covered in custard. I can recall many of my friends names from my final year and am in touch with two, Clare Fiddler & Margaret Johnson. We are both looking forward to the reunion.

Comment by Nicola Long — 5 years ago

Hey I remember coming during the 1970’s and it was the best! Happy 80th birthday Olly Golly!!

Comment by Mate — 5 years ago

Olly Golly. Hmmm what do I remember? Everything! How can I forget the time I’ve had here! Made new friends and had the time of my life! HAPPY 80Th BIRTHDAY! Looking forward to seeing the 100th birthday! Congrats

Comment by Khan — 5 years ago

I remember visiting Oliver Goldsmith for the first time when we were looking for a school for our son Alex. We walked through the door, and didn’t known where to go next (the layout of the entrance was different in those days!). A lovely little child came up to us and said, very confidently, “Can I help you?” We knew at that moment that OGS was exactly the right school for our son, and, later on, his two sisters. And we were right!

Comment by Nick Rozanski — 5 years ago

My name is Julie Forde (nee Morris) from 1964 to 1971. All my brothers John, Robert, Chris and Kevin also attended the school. We lived in Summit Avenue and our mother was Ann Morris who was a dinner lady and the school secretary for the infant school for a number of years. I have lovely memories of the school. My fondest memories are about the Summer and Christmas musical productions produced by Mr Manders and Miss Starvis. I can even remember the words I had to say in the first production I was in. I think my favourite teacher was Mr Manders because it is his classes I remember the most. I still remember planting the bulbs so that in the spring the school was filled with such colour. I remember making the Victorian houses. I remember visiting the school before I started. I remember my first day at school waiting outside the head teachers office with my mum and Sally Ann Bacon sitting with her mum. I remember many of the teachers and the dinner ladies. One of the dinner ladies made me an outfit for a school production when my mum was in hospital. I remember Mr Snell and Mr Spicer. I remember Miss Norton and Miss Linton. I recall knitting a teddy bear in their craft classes. But it wasn’t very good. I remember Mrs Reilly being my teacher in my final year of infants school. She was a lovely teacher. I remember school dinners. A favourite of mine was brick wall and cement. Chocolate rice crispy block with pink custard. I remember movement classes with Miss Starvis. And gym lessons with Mr Webber. I remember having recorder lessons with Miss Jones. I also recall being quite scared of her at the time. I remember playing in the playground and realising when it was windy the planes flew over head. I wish I could forget the toilets and the smell from the milk room. I have never liked warm milk. I remember sports day and how we all went over to Jubilee Park. I remember the guinea pigs called Bubble and Squeak. I remember so many of the dinner ladies Mrs Cox, Mrs Freeman, Mrs Dix, Mrs Rap, Mrs Driver and Mrs Leeson. I also remember Mrs Buckle the welfare lady. I also remember my saddest day at school was the last day. It is has been lovely recalling all these fond memories.

Comment by Julie Forde — 5 years ago

I was privileged to be headteacher of OGS for 26 years from 1985 to 2011. There were so many changes to the school and to education during this time. When I started as headeacher there were separate infant and junior schools, the Nursery was in a dilapidated toddlers’ club, two of the junior classrooms were in old huts in the playground without toilets and there was no hot or cold running water in the classrooms! There was no National Curriculum, no SATs, no Ofsted and schools did not look after their own budgets. This all started to change very soon. It was a very interesting and challenging time to be a headteacher. Oliver Goldsmith was a lovely school with friendly and interesting children, creative staff, dedicated governors and supportive parents. It was a pleasure to see children develop their learning and understanding as they moved from Nursery to Year 6. I enjoyed seeing children doing their own performances in assembles and festivals and I had great fun dressing up for Friday assemblies for the whole school! I am glad to have played a part in the life of Oliver Goldsmith, moving the school forward and creating new traditions while valuing what went before. It is good to see that the school continues to do this and to inspire children now and in the future. Happy 80th Birthday OGS.

Comment by Susan Knowler — 5 years ago

I remember coming here every day and wearing my underwear and vest for PE and of course having a bottle of milk. I still can’t believe that it was so long ago. I remember getting to school late one day and I had to stand in the naughty corner and I remember getting a smack on my hand with the ruler. What days they were! Happy BIRTHDAY OGPS!!!!!! Miss you

Comment by Anonymous — 5 years ago

Happy 80th birthday 'Olly Gollie'! May the school continue to grow to develop and nurture children for years to come. My son started school in 1985 whilst I was training to be a teacher. When I qualified I worked at Oakington Manor Primary as their ICT subject leader. His first class teacher was Mrs Day and first Headteacher was Ms Hooper followed by Mrs Knowler. There are lots of great memories of the school, teachers, and my son's classmates during that time. My favourite memory was leaving my son on his first day at school and me crying like a baby because I had to leave him to go back home…HE was as happy as Larry and just wanted to get on with making new friends! Whilst I was still studying, on my day off from uni, I used to go to Mrs Day’s class and work with children on the BBC B computer, playing Podd games which taught children about verbs so…Podd can…Pop, Podd can …Dance etc. MyWorld 2 was another literacy based game I used to use with Mrs Day’s class. I remember some brilliant assemblies with Mrs Day playing the piano and lots of singing. Ms Hooper was very mild mannered but there was no messing around with her and the children showed a lot of respect. Ms Weinstock was energetic and funny. Sports days were often fun and Mrs White coached the football team (I hope my memory serves we well). Then Mrs Knowler took over after Ms Hooper. I remember the following teachers: Mr Barnes, Mr Cousins, Mrs Chavdarski, and the violin teacher Mr Chandler. The years at OGS really helped shape my son into the fun loving young man he has grown up to be. It gave him lots of opportunities including being signed up by Sharon Harris agency as a young actor with a number of his classmates. I in turn became a chaperone for many of the young actors from Olly Gollie…those were the days! Lots more memories and lots of photos, I hope the school received them. If not I can send the pictures again. Congratulations on turning 80!

Comment by Ms V Michael W's mum — 5 years ago

Some of my warmest memories growing up were within the walls of that school. I was there right from Nursery till year 6 (somewhere around 2004). Mrs Knowler was our headteacher. I remember her famous Friday assemblies and the pride you felt standing up at the end if you had received a 'caught being good sticker'. I remember those harvest assemblies, and the leaving assemblies where you would sing the year 6's off, the joy of being the class that got to sit on the bench at the back, music lessons in the 'haunted' tower, the library and IT room at the end of the corridor which Mr Barnes would let us play in at lunchtimes if we asked nicely, Mrs Mackie and Jennnifer in Nursery, Mrs Patel, Mrs De, Mrs White, Mrs Vaughan, Ms Richards, those year 6 class pictures hanging in the hallway near the staff room, the blossom trees and climbing and swinging from trees in the playground and running down those hills at the end, the dining hall and those blue trays and so much more. Happy Birthday OGS, may you keep going strong!

Comment by Maliha Parvez — 5 years ago

I attended Oliver Goldsmith from 1946 to 1952 . The teachers I remember Mr Smith headmaster, miss Swabey, Mrs Belcher, Mr Manders and Mr Spicer were all very good teachers and I even managed to pass the 11 plus. I lived across the Kingsbury road in one of the Prefabs now long gone. Such happy memories of a lovely school even though I had many a wack with the ruler.

Comment by Moira Saunders (nee Griffiths) — 5 years ago

i enjoyed being in this school

Comment by tom — 4 years ago

Just found this site! Gosh, I was there 1943-1949. Great reading the staff names, brings back the memories. Pat Millar, lived in Rydal Gardens, I am now in Essex. I met my husband, Brian Robinson, in the reception class. The Robinsons - Gwen, David, Peter lived in Lodore.

Comment by Pat Robinson — 4 years ago

I went to OGPS from 1969 - 1973. I vaguely remember teachers Mr Lee and Mr Stephens. It was an amazing time - though sometimes tough as there was some limited corporal punishment in those days and teachers were less restrained, but it was also a very loving, all embracing and compassionate school., with a great regard for developing talent and curiosity.

Comment by Jackie H — 4 years ago

Went to this school and left in 1988, my head teacher was Miss Knowler and i remember Mr Blacklock and Miss Headley too as someone previously mentioned. Back then my best mates were.... everyone! Robert, Tom, Leslie, Alan, Chintan, Nayan, Kulshaw, Julie, Erika, Karen, Nicola, Natalie, Jane, Emma-Gene, back then life was innocent and it’s sad to reminisce. Had great times kissing in the bushes, jumping over the fence to get the football, playing cricket with a painted wicket on the wall, playing marbles round the mudded designated corner near canteen, lunch with those pastel plates and wicked desert cakes! All good memories! I now run an electrical company with good hard values i gained in olly golly!

Comment by Dave Prajapat — 4 years ago

Just found this blog..was at OG from 48-54 same as Andy Lyons who I started school with and lived a little further down the road from him in Hay Lane..we were also in the cubs together as I remember..I do remember the the musical and how he could sing even at that earlt stage. Great reading of the teachers and memories of walking down to the park to play football. had a gypsy life and am now in Colorado some 50 miles South of Denver in the Rocky Mountains. My sister attend OG as well and had a great career in Education. Both of us have fond memories and of how OG certainly instilled in both of us a great love of reading. Andy lived at 77 and I lived at 99.....

Comment by Roger Paul — 3 years ago

Posted here a few days ago but my post isn't shown. At Olly Golly from 1948-1954 and remember so many of the teachers mentioned. Andy Lyons who posted earlier was a friend of mine at OG..we both lived in Hay Lane and also were in the cubs together. My sister Valerie also attended although 3 years younger than me and a far more studious pupil! She went on to a very good academic schooling and a very successful career in Education. I also remember the Robinsons and Pat. Bot my sister and me have always had fond memories and are grateful for the l;ove of books and reading that was encouraged so much. I am now in Colorado in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains living a dream first shown me at OG after a gypsy life and time in Spain and the Caribbean. A last thought.. I remember the monkey puzzle tree mentioned earlier!

Comment by Roger Paul — 3 years ago

We came to the 80th anniversary as my & I both had such fond memories of our time at the school. Well done to everyone involved, it was brilliant. However I wish I'd asked about the huge picture (mural?) that I remember when I was a pupil in the 1960's. If I'd thought I would have taken a photo or two if it. Does anyone know anything about it? Who was the artist? When was it put in situ? Any help would be much appreciated.

Comment by Bonita Keys — 3 years ago

Kirk and Mark Cotterel 1980

Comment by Kirk — 2 years ago

I was at OGS in Kingsbury road in 1951 for 4 years I remember my first taste of classical music there, I remember singing wartime songs in the playground I remember my English teacher miss Podalanski an inspiring teacher who introduced us to Hilary Belloc, not sure of the spelling also miss Papanikalow and Mrs Navacovitch

Comment by Suzan Emerton now Groves — 2 years ago

Me and my brother went to Goldsmith around 1976 and I remember loads of names. Nicky Sava, Stephen Hibbert, Sharon Stephens, Debra Prescod, Sharon Steven's, Jackie ( both of them) Mr Sephens, Himchcliffe, Votalis, Amazing times

Comment by Mc — 2 years ago

No-one will remember me. I attended the school in 1958, from Singapore. I was only there as a stop gap until we moved to Berkshire. I have a photo of the class but the only people I recall was a nice girl called Rennie Shepherd and a boy called Duncan. I sat in the class not understanding anything and got shouted at by the headmaster for walking on the grass- but no-one told me the grass was forbidden territory. I was absolutely terrified most of the time. From this school I went to a little church school in Maidenhead and passed the 11+ (somehow!) There was a brilliant school play with wonderful underwater scenes.

Comment by Catherine Bailey (nee Burns) — 2 years ago

My brother and I left in 1971 and came to Canada, loved Oliver Goldsmith, Mr. Manders and Ms. Starvis, my favourite teachers. I still remember Ms. Starvis crying with me when I told her I was leaving. I recognize a lot of the teachers names mentioned. Some of my happiest memories were at that school, still have my little autograph book. I didn't want to leave England at all, what a shock it was entering the Canadian School system, harder because I skipped two grades when I arrived here (just goes to show the level of education in England). No Uniforms and not as many rules.

Comment by Trudy Allen — 1 year ago

I was at Olly Golly from about 1950-1956. In the first class Miss Cheek was our teacher and after that, Miss Waddell. I remember Miss Starvis, Mr Manders, Mr Spicer, Miss Cook and the headmaster, Mr Smith. I can also recall the names of lots of my fellow pupils and am still in touch with Noemi Eiser although we lost contact for. Number of years after we left at age 11. I remember Gwen Robinson and her siblings (post above), as I lived opposite them in Lodore Gardens! Can’t believe how many years have flown since I went on to Copthall County School and ultimately became a doctor. They were very happy days and we were provided with a very sound education!

Comment by Jennie Treleaven — 1 year ago

Dear Alumni I am currently in contact with the the Borough of Brent museum at Willesden Green as I am researching “Kindertransport” from Germany and Austria following The Anschluss in 1938. If my memory serves me well, my dear Primary School teacher Ms Norton was one of those who were brought to Britain at that time. Currently, we have no certified confirmation of this matter. Therefore, if anyone can help constructively, I would be most happy. On Tuesday 7 March, here in Vienna, guests from the Jewish community in Britain are invited as a commemorative plaque will be unveiled recognizing the work of British officials and members of clergy at the Anglican Church here in Vienna who saved many from the Shoah. As I am writing a paper on Genocide Prevention, the history with Ms Norton is significant for me personally. Please contact me: office@jgmorris.com Thank you in advance for your tolerance, respect and understanding. John

Comment by John Morris — 1 year ago

I have happy memories of Oliver Goldsmith. In 1966 ( I was aged 6 ) I moved with my parents to Mardale Drive and our back garden looked out over a green area that was very over grown and subsequently was transformed into a natural green space for the school. I remember Miss Avery’s retirement and Mr Webber becoming headteacher. Also Mr. Spicer, Mr. Manders, Mr Snell, Miss Starvis and the school plays. It was a happy time and I still remember those days fondly and with gratitude for an excellent education.

Comment by Anne Voss (Glencross) — 4 months ago