A view of Grangefield Grammar School (now the Grange Comprehensive) looking over the playing fields, c1959.
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
A view of Grangefield Grammar School (now the Grange Comprehensive) looking over the playing fields, c1959.
Picture Stockton Archive 
David Paxton mentions being able to make gunpowder but didn’t know where the ingredients came from.
There used to a major stockist of organic and inorganic chemicals in one of the streets coming off Yarm Lane and paralleling the high street. It would have been servicing the numerous chemical labs associated with ICI, steelworks and heavy equipment fabricators.
You could buy chemicals across the counter
In those days before the developments of physical methods like X Ray Fluorescence, all analysis of materials started off by dissolving them up in acids or alkalis before using other chemicals to find out what they contained.
Does Frank Mee or anyone know the name of this stockist?
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I did know a chemical stockist existed in Stockton though cannot recall the name.
We did not need one as we could get our needs from the Chemist, Sulphur as we called it now Sulpha for those who cannot spell. Salt Peter, charcoal we made ourselves
At Richard Hind we made our own fire works filing various metals to give the coloured sparks rolled our own cardboard tubes and the wick some paper dipped in Salt Peter then dried. It was a case of getting the mixture right and the fuse long enough to escape.
We also produced a big bang using Carbide and water in a bottle with a screw top, preferably put in a rabbit hole before screwing the top on tight then running.
It was wartime danger was second nature or else we did not see it as dangerous.
You should have seen what we did with the plentiful supply of 303 rounds and blanks we young Army Cadets got our hands on, second thoughts better not, we played dangerous games back then.
Frank.
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I believe the company was Reynolds and Branson.
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Was it Finlaysons? as I am sure they supplied the lab at HW where I worked.
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Fred, I wonder if you are thinking of Finlaysons? They had premises on Nelson Terrace, at the North end, almost opposite the registry office. Yes, you could buy 4 ounces of ammoniun dichromate over the counter, as easy as if it was 4 oz. of sweets a sweetshop. I think that they subsequently moved onto the Portrack Industrial Estate.
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A friend drew my attention to these articles which mentioned my name and the name of Mike Renwick.
I attended Grangefield at the same time as Mike and we spent the occasional time together both in and out of school. I remember Mike as a potentially brilliant chemist.
As pupils some of us made “gun barrels” from copper tubing with the end flattened over and a touch hole drilled in. All probably done covertly in metalwork lessons. Mike made gunpowder (we don’t ask where the chemicals originated, but of course there was the “Chemmy Lab” in school) and it was not difficult for a lad with his talents.
We used to pop a ball bearing in the barrel, ram in a wad of cotton and aim the projectile at the uprights of the fence that ran along the edge of the playing field in the picture above. Looking back, miraculously no one got hurt.
Mike was forever pushing the boundaries with his enthusiasm and I recall that he said he had various attempts with Nitro Glycerine and Fulminate of Mercury!
Needless to say, at that age, we had a great respect for these talents.
It you are still here Mike it is a miracle!
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My daughter was at your school her name is Rebecca burnham. I’m trying to get the footage of the Christmas concert she was involved in, can anyone help? Many thanks
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Thank you Cliff Thornton. My memory is clearly prone to some slight exaggeration and error but well done young Crawley – what a bowler! Anyone know what became of him?
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I have checked copies of The Stocktonian Year Book around 1959 and there were regular cricket matches against St John”s College, Durham. There are very few details of any of matches played by the school team, but the following may be of interest. In the 1959 season the best bowling performance was by Crawley who in one match took 7 wickets for 0 runs. In 1961 the match against St John”s was abandoned due to rain when their score was 10 runs for 6 wickets.
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This looks to be a fairly windy day. It brings to mind an occasion during the summer term, about 1959, when the weather was quite different. I had been chosen to play for the school cricket team, a home match against St John’s College, York. I was very keen to do well, bowling slow left arm round. I’m not sure which team batted first, but it doesn’t really matter. Needless to say, being the youngest in the side, I didn’t get on to bowl – my services as it turned out weren’t needed. So far as I can remember the St John’s College innings lasted 20 overs and they scored 10 runs all out. What was even more incredible, if my memory serves me right is that our opening bowler (whose name, to my eternal shame, escapes me) took all ten wickets in ten overs without conceding a run. Not only that, he took one wicket in each of his ten overs – ten consecutive wicket maidens! At the other end our other bowler was leaking runs, conceding 10 in his ten overs. Now I do stand to be corrected on any of these details but please, please, someone, tell me that it wasn’t all just a dream. Can anyone add names?
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Theresa, search for Online Mapping. Initiate the GIS map, zero in on Mount Pleasant. Set the scale to 1330 & centre the map on the junction of MountPleasant Rd/ Weston Crescent & Gladsfield Rd. Choose the map for ca 1960 – 1969. This shows the position of Belle Vue Park. Hope this resolves your problem.
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Hi Mike I am a daughter of Peter Plummer if you read this could you please post a reply.
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Kathryn, I knew a Peter Plummer back in the 60s, we used to go to Boro away matches in his Standard Vanguard. Is this the same PP.
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I hope Mike Renwick reads this as me and my husband have a serious problem.We are trying to determine where Tilery dog track”s boundary was in relation to the back of Weston Crescent.Wonder if anyone can help. We”ve found what we believe to be the old dogtrack wall under a foot of soil at the end of our garden and urgently need some information. Thanks.
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I know a person with the nickname “The Bone” who went to GGS and lived in Fairfield Road and went to study Metallurgy at The University of Aston in Birmingham. His friends were Fage, CBC and MW. He also played in the school band and in later years drank in the Fairfield. The Knickname “The Bone” came from his interest in the blues of Tee Bone walker.
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Excuse me for stating the obvious….BUT THOSE TREES ARE HUGE NOW!!!! 🙂 Back in 1996 ( I know its not that long ago compared to some! lol) we used to sit under those trees whilst the boys played football. I remember sitting on that field thinking ” OUR SCHOOL IS HUGE” but now when I drive past its big…but it MUST have shrunk!!! lol
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As a relative newcomer to this site, I am amazed at the number of names that, now long forgotten, have again come back to life. I had often wondered where the nickname “Scourge” originated, and it is correct that it comes from Henry VI pt 2 Act V. The exact phrase being: “Outcast of Naples, England”s bloody scourge!” Not sure where the Naples bit comes from, but I soon found that the only way to get rid of an unwanted nickname is to get another equally unwanted one. Anyone remember who “Bone” was?
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Bob Harbron. Hello. I note that you have copies of “The Stocktonian” 1912 – 1916 listing former pupils who enlisted in the forces for WW1. My father Gilbert Dee enlisted in 1914 together with his friend Tommy Weatherall. Tommy Weatherall was killed at Ypres (Wipers to the Tommies) in 1917. My father was in his burial party (they were both Sappers) I wonder if they are listed ? I actually have Tommy Weatherall”s medals and the Memorial Bronze Plaque given to relatives after the war. Maybe I should send in a photo of these. His parents lived on Hartburn Lane. He was an only child and his mother kept his room as a shrine until she died in the early 30″s. The site could give you my email address.
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Sorry Angela its not me I am a tad older than that. I grew up in Newtown. good luck trying to find my namesake. There are many expats who still do not know about this site.
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Colin Booth, are you the Colin who attended Tilery rd School from 1959 to 1965? If so I would love to get in contact and reminisce with you
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Just to clarify, Bob Harbron the historian who lives in Norton and Bob Harbron from Redmarshall whom I”ve known for many years are two different people, between comments the two may have been confused.
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Back to bill davies,last year…Bob Harbron lives in Redmarshall and I live in Longnewton… You fitted a carpet for me Bill,didn”t you? George Higg passed away last year,Tony Highfield the year before(&thats me with the good news)! Besides Bob breaking his leg,I also have an incident you may recall….What was found on top of the wardrobe,all those years ago? I now spend my winters in Mallorca.
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Sheila Huggett. Are you any relation to the Huggett”s living on Durham Rd. They had a stall in the markets selling toys. Son Peter went to Newham Grange. Anyonre remember the family?
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I attended the original SSS known as Stockton Secondary School. Shortly after I left they moved the school to what is now Grangefield Grammar, or perhaps even another name now. Of course I was in the girls section, the boys section was right next door, we used to leave notes for boys in the Lab drawers since this was a shared classroom,I went for the full required five years. Any other “Old Girls” still around? Would love to hear from anyone.
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Andy, in reply to your query, last time I saw Colin Calvert was at the Stockton RFC Millenium Dinner & he was still living in Leicester where he had been for many years. Both Thirlands became dentists locally & one has a surgery in Bishopton Lane; Len Porter used his metallurgy & became big in the diving industry.Eric Thompson (with whom I shared a bachelor pad in the mid 70s) is now living in Lancashire & still working for an ICI company. Many ex GGS still make occasional visits to Stockton RFC where a lot of us can be found every week. Pop in when you”re next around & you will find our coaching team of John Still,Pete Armstrong,Warren Douglas,Doug Agar et al propping up the bar. We are expecting Dave Willets back on a visit from his home in Canada in March.Can you still remember that Scottish tour with the juniors you came on about 25 years ago – what a weekend!
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Whatever happend to Col Calvert? The Thirland twins, Lennie Porter, Eric Thompson, Pete Whitecross et al?
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Graham re “The Stocktonian” was “The Magazine of Stockton Secondary School”, published for the pupils by the pupils once every term at “Xmas. Easter and Midsummer “Extra copies can be obtained through any Members of Staff”. I have a number of copies printed during 1912-1916, which includes a “Roll of Honour” of those both Staff and Pupils who enlisted in the First World War conflict, with 80 serving Easter 1915 and notes and letters from our “Old Boys “. I believe Stockton Ref Library have copies.
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Dee Dale, Sorry. I do not recall you and unfortunately I do not have a copy of the article to which you refer. It was not written for posterity but I can tell you it was in what was then the school magazine produced by the pupils. I don”t remember its name but don”t believe that it was The Stocktonian. The article was named, by the editor not me, Rocking Around the Globe. The concert was in February (21st ?) 1959 and was headlined by Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran. Those were the days ! I think I was paid the pricely sum of 3 shillings. (15p). The going rate for a page.
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Dennis I remember you well.Not Libya but Lebanon.
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I was also a senior prefect at the same time as Nigel Harbron – we enjoyed many privileges, including a common room with comfy chairs and tea-making facilities. Such preferential treatment would probably be frowned on now but it was much appreciated then – especially as we got up to all sorts of non-prefectorial shenanigans in there! I remember Richard Hill – was it you that spent time in Libya before coming back to England – or is my memory letting me down? I returned to Stockton in the early eighties and mow live in Barnard Avenue, which backs on to the “Cuckoo railway” (now a cycle path) and can see the old School from my bedroom window.
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Richard Hill – if you have a copy of the review that your brother wrote I would love it for my research.
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Hello Richard, good to hear you are still around. Not obviously in the Teesside area. If you or your brother have a copy of that review, I would love to have one. My regards to your siblings if and when you see them. I recall your sister went to the Art College, Mbro. And, Skurje, if you are reading this, I did post a reply to your Sun Inn possible visit (I cant find it now, so it may have got lost in the ether) and I will endeavour to be there with partner.
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I can confirm that Nigel Harbron lived in Raby Road in No. 7 opposite Colin Calvert who lived in No 6. Colin was a great scrum half who could run like the wind with the ball and kept Grangefield 1st team the mean scoring machine it was in the 60″s.
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Interesting I have just looked up this site by accident.Graham Hill my brother did indeed publish the review mentioned.Nigel Harbron I sat next to in chemistry,he lived in Raby Road.Colin Calvert was for a time my great friend.
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Dee Dale – Dee absolutely true Colin is the one I remember best, he was one of the best gymnasts I have ever seen. I am sure there may have been better, BUT not many. The other thing that I remember about him was his smile – it lit up any room he was in. To be fair Richard”s name rings distant bells but alas no more than that! Memory unfortunately is not always what it should be. Other names for me were my mate Alan Earle, girlfriend Evelyn Walton aka the plin. One of my first girlfriends Roz Thompson, I later went about with Anthea Goddard. Names that spring to mind; Richard,(Ricky) Nelson who had a thing about Vanda Rowlands. Brian Jones – NO not the one from the Stones. Dave Paxton, Dennis Bone – I could go on & on but would probably only bore you to death! As posted elsewhere I am intending visiting Stockton end Nov/ beginning of December. If you are still in the area & you & your significant other fancy a beer I”ll be visiting the SUN inn in Knowles Street, just of the High Street, near the parish church. I”ll post something before hand – best wishes – Mike
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Mike Renwick aka Skurj: If you are the “Skurj I think you are then you will have been quite friendly with Richard Hill and Colin Calvert?
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Dee Dale – Dee there were in fact two characters with this nickname. One was Phil? Knowles, originating from the Shakespearean quote “that England”s bloody scourge” – Henry VI, part II. The other, spelt differently, Skurj was me. This arose when on return after fifth year I was accused of having been the scourge of “Tachey Lee”s last years physics periods. The spelling change was just to identify which of us was being referred to.
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Cliff Thornton – The Stocktonian. Thanks for taking the time to look for me. The publication I am talking about was published by Grangefield Grammar School, Boys. It was not a totally professional publication being reproduced on quarto size paper and using the wax transfer method (early type of photocopying). It contained sports news, articles submitted by pupils some satirical items poking fun at the members of staff and it may have appeared more than once per year. I”m fairly certain (but not positively so) that this publication evolved into the A5 size Stocktonian magazine. The article I”m looking for was published in 1960, 61 or 62. I am certain on this point. Anyway thanks once again. Just an afterthought, did you know anyone in approximately your year who went by the nickname of Scourge?
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Nigel Harbron – Nigel I am sure that you & I were in the same form before you became a prefect. I lived in the huts in the tarmacadamed area. Form master was “puffer” Burns. If you are who I think you are you will remember “Desperate Dan” & John “the Face” Green. Interesting that you have been away from the old town for that long & that your folks came from Tilery, if you care to check the site under Tilery Road you will find that, as a child, I attended Tilery Road school. Anyway it”s good to hear that you still live, thrive & survive. If you”re interested in a chat my email is miker2@tiscali.co.uk – Cheers – Mike Ni
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Dee Dale – I have only just noticed your earlier request for information from “The Stocktonian”. The publication I was referring to was the annual year book of Grangefield Grammar School (and the former Stockton Secondary School). I have checked through issues between 1959 and 1962 but cannot find the article that you are seeking. I wonder if the town had another publication of the same name ?
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I was indeed a Senior Prefect at Grangefield GS in 1965/66 during the “reign” of Mr R E Bradshaw (Cantab.). My brother, David, attended the school from 1956 until 1961. My father, James Harbron, was from Tilery, and had an older brother by name of Robert (“Bob”), but both are long gone. I left Stockton in 1967 and I”m afraid that I haven”t been back there for over thirty years.
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Cliff Thornton – I think it is Nigel Harbron. “The Stocktonian” magazine. I have been looking for a particular issue from the year 1960. Was this magazine published quarterly? I am looking for a piece written by, I think, Graham Hill about a concert he saw at “The Globe” theatre in the first four months of 1960. It may have been a full page in length. Can you help me?
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I remember Bob Harbron, hung arond with George Higginbottom Frank Harvey, Pete Conroy and Phil Francis. He broke his foot on a swing down Tarzan path down to the old mill in Norton
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Mike – Good old e-bay supplied me with a run of “The Stocktonian” year books going back to the late 1920s! (Nostalgia can be expensive at times.) According to the 1966-67 yearbook N Harbron was a senior prefect in 1965-6. His name was Neil I think?
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Bob Irwin – Bob I had, in fact, realised that BOB Harbron had been at Grangefield in 1954. On reading your reply I went back & looked at my comment & realise it”s not well written. I was aking Bob whether the Harbron I was at school with from “59 through “65 was a relation of his.
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Mike Renwick. You are correct about a Harbron attending the Grangefield Grammar. I knew a Bob Harbron who lived at the nearest end to Norton Avenue in Eamont Road. He delivered papers from the same shop as me. I would put his age down as 67 -69 years old. His father was a Taxi Driver for Wades Taxis in Norton.
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This is the year I arrived at the school & to move from Tilery, good as the education had been, it was a culture shock attending somewhere with the facilities and siting of this place. I noted with interest, in the comments on the 1954 shot, that Bob Harbron was a pupil at that time. Hope you don”t mind me asking Bob, but did one of your family attend at that time, a brother or cousin? Afraid I can”t remember his christian name but we were together from 2nd year onwards.
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The construction of the school was stopped by the advent of World War 2. I can clearly remember being taken on a field walk by my parents during 1943 or 1944. The building stage at the outbreak of war was up to the roof stage. All the roof rafters were left there in place but the felt and tiles were not fitted until 1946. It did look sad and forlorn for six years.
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