Researching 'Skippers'
I'm currently researching the ownership of Skippers Hill Manor, near Five Ashes, East Sussex, from build date to 1945. This research forms part of a 'monograph' I am writing about 'Skippers', which includes a concise history of the ownership of the building prior to it becoming a boys school in 1945.
Monograph
Most of the monograph contains a personal and detailed account of boarding-school life between 1960 and 1963.
Floor plan
I have also managed to draw a detailed floor plan of the buildings (ground floor) from memory. A copy of the monograph, with floor plan, will be sent to the school shortly, so that they can have a better idea of their roots.
Former pupils' recollections
I'd be interested to hear from anyone who attended the school during those years, or from anyone with photos of the school or of the masters, or anything about the ownership of 'Skippers' between 1893 and 1945, so prior to J.R. Ward turning it into a school. Any of your recollections of those times (1960-1963) would be most welcome.
School photograph
I have a digitised copy of the boys at 'Skippers' taken opposite the Refectory in 1962. Ca. 90 boys. None of the masters are in the photograph. If you were at school then and would like a copy of this B&W 'panoramic' photo, please let me know.
Former masters or teachers
If you have photographs of former teachers who were at the school between 1958 and 1965, please let me know, and especially so if you can identify the master concerned. Does anyone out there have a photo of J.R. Ward, or of the school building ca. 1958-1965? I'm particularly trying to find more details about Colonel Faro and his origins, who taught Latin, as well as the origins and background of Mr Mander ('Skip') who, as I recall, taught mathematics and ran these Sea Scouts there (1960-1963).
Archive | Alumni society
There is no archive that I know about for the dates in question, nor was there an alumni society set up for boys leaving the school in the 1960s. Consequently, it is virtually impossible to trace any of former pupils without resorting to advertising in 'The Times'.