This section is intended for the Girls of Bishop Fox's who do not seem to have a space of their own on the World Wide Web. Earlier on I had no news of any ex-Fox's girls except that two of my Old Huish contacts, Peter Coleman (m. Margaret Calway who started at Bishop Fox's in 1950) in Canada and Clem Nettell in the States (m. Patricia Mear) had told me that they married Fox's girls. By September 1998 the Fox's page had become one of the most widely read pages. There must be many more, whether married to Huish boys or not, so please feel welcome and send your news to oldhuish@richuish.ac.uk

The Contents List of the full oldhuish site may be found Here

NEW! In November 2001 a list of names has been added for quick reference. Sorry! You'll still have to search this page to find most of them until we get a proper linked list finished. Meanwhile, we hope this helps.

NEWS, February, 2005. Christine Lorimer writes:

I was only at Bishop Fox's for around 3 years between 1963-1966, so was interested to see some names that I recognised on the site. I was particularly hoping to contact Veronica Tickner, Jennifer Dodman and Suzanne, whose surname I have forgotten. I am married, with 2 adopted boys in their 20s. I'm a teacher, married to a teacher, who is looking forward to retirement in 2007, when we hope to come back to the South -West. Hoping to hear from some of the familiar faces, yours, Christine Watts

Carol Foster (now Chant) was a member of the April 2004 Fox's Reunion (see a couple of entries further down) and has written: "I went to the reunion that Sally organised last April for those of us turning 50 last year and mentioned to her that I had photos of the old school taken just before it was demolished. My husband used to work with the man who was Bursar at the time, so he let us come in to the school and wander around. . ." Carol's photos may be seen at this location (use the thumbnails to reveal the full picture and the 'back' button to return to the page and 'back' again to get back to here!) and she has very kindly offered to e-mail the JPG file for any picture that Old Foxers would like for themselves. Her address is chantvilla@btopenworld.com NB: Find the filename of the ones you want by right-clicking the thumbnail or the full sized picture and look at 'Properties'. You will see something like 'bf3a.gif (or .jpg)'. The bit you need is the 'bf3' - I added the a's and b's because Carol's originals came two to a page - Ed.

"I was amused to find the Bishop fox website as my lifelong regret was that despite winning a scholarship to Bishop Fox as a boarder in 1945 while an evacuee at Churchill in Somerset my parents refused the offer and I then went to Merrywood Grammar in Bristol where we lived after my father's demobilisation. So I'm glad to see that you keep in touch and that you obviously enjoyed your education. I have lived in Oz for 41 years and have four adult daughters  and am now 70 years old but have never forgotten the disappointment at being refused my dream of Bishop Fox. Kay Bilney"

Is there anyone from around that era who would like to write to Kay? If so, just drop a line to oldhuish@richuish.ac.uk, subject Kay Bilney, and I'll forward it - Ed.

Kay followed this note with the following: "Perhaps if you put my name on the page it would be good to use my maiden name, Kathleen Rees, as there were other girls at the same time at Churchill Church School who may have attended BF. The names I remember are, Brenda Small, Edna London, Hazel Rawlings, Rachel Roynon and Jean Larder".

So, although it may be a rather long shot it could be that others from Churchill Primary did go on to Bishop Fox's and if so, Kay would love to hear from them.

"Recently met with Alison (Hough), Sara (Smith), Jill (Chalder), and Steve (Field), all 1955 first year, as well as Liz (Pring) and Ann (Taylor) from the year after.

"The 1955-ers, most of whom left in 1962, thought it would be good to have a proper reunion in Taunton next year. If anyone would be interested could they contact Sara Hardwick née Smith (she's more retired than I am!), at

sarahardwick101@hotmail.com (NB: this is a slight correction to the previously published address - Ed.)

and any ideas re venues would be gratefully received.

Steve has added a photo (click to enlarge, 'Back' to this page)

Back L - Liz, Hilary, Alison, Ann Front L - Steve, Jill, Sarah

and adds: "Is there anyone out there who still remembers us? If so, please get in touch and as Hilary says, it would be great to meet up in Taunton next year".

Steve's contact details are: stephanie2911@aol.com (home) and ssmith@bpc.ac.uk (work) NEW! April 2004 Fox's Reunion: Sally Bigwood, has sent a note, with photos by herself and Adelina Goodall and a list of those present at their King's Arms Reunion, April 3rd, 2004. Click the link for details (and use the 'Back' button to return to this page). Sally's and Lynn Bellamy's entries appear below (Feb 04).

NEWS, August, 2004. Hilary Mapstone. Hilary's son(?) writes:

"I thought you might like to add a link from the Bishop Fox's page to the website of Hilary Corrick, nee Mapstone (my mother) - it's at www.hilarycorrick.co.uk

Hilary's e-mail address is on her webpage.

"Too bad I was not able to make the reunion in April. Sally Bigwood filled me in on some of the news. I live in Victoria B.C., Canada and would love to hear from any former classmates from Bishop Fox's. I am married, have two children ( girls aged 11 and 14) and work parttime as an instructor with a local municipality, running community recreation programmes for young families, parks programmes, and english conversation classes. Lots of variety.

Looking forward to hearing from you!"

Penny's e-mail address remains mttolmie@pacificcoast.net.

We are advised by Patricia Dening that the twice yearly reunions have been moved to May and November. The next get together is planned for 19th May 2004 and will be at Taunton Vale Sports Club.
As before, Pat Parkhouse (01823 337731) is the contact. Please let her know by 13th May if you are coming or, of course, make contact with her at any time about future reunions

Elisabeth writes, Apr 04: "Hi, my name is Elisabeth Rubie (from Australia) and I went to Bishop Fox’s just for one year in 1980. I was friends with Sarah Swain & Tracy Coles (who I am still in touch with) amongst others. Would love to hear from any old friends and am especially trying to find Sarah – does anyone out there know how I can get in touch with her?"

Lynn, has written to the Gazette regarding Sally Bigwood's reunion (next but one item). Local readers may wish to contact her for more news of the 1970 5G/1972 A-level reunion on April 3rd.

STOP PRESS! Sally adds, 11 March: " . . .right now we have about 30 people who say they are coming, and are unsure about another 5 - 10! This is going to be such fun! One person is flying in from France, one from Newcastle and others driving from different parts of the country. And this all started because I suggested that 4 of us go out for a quiet drink! Oh my, oh my!"

"My name is Mary Ling (nee Solway) and I was at Bishop Fox's from 1957-1964. Main memories are of the silence corridor, the Gilbert and Sullivan operas (and the Bartered Bride) with Miss Taylor, double Latin on Friday afternoons with Miss Hutchinson.........as I think about it, the memories start returning!

"I am still in contact with Wendy Howard, Sue Froome and Linda Rogers, but would also love to hear from or about Meg Perkins (who married Richard Henley from Huish). I had her address in Australia(?) when the 1957 year had a reunion in 1987 - she wasn't able to come - but it got mislaid somehow - can't find either of them on Friends Reunited either.

Great to see the website - and it would be great to see lots more entries.

Sally Bigwood writes:

Hello again everyone!

Just to let you know that there is a planned reunion in Taunton on Saturday April 3, 2004 for the 'young ladies' who left Bishop Fox's in 1972 after 'A' levels. I am returning to England from Canada for three weeks and decided to try and organise this. There are quite a few of us interested already and will meet for lunch that day. It will probably be for longer than lunch but that's a good start!

Anyone interested please email me, Sally von Hertzberg (Bigwood) at svonherb@shaw.ca and I can let you know where we will be meeting. Hope to see many more of you then. Will we recognize each other after 32 years?!

A QUERY, January, 2004 Ruth Tongue. We have received the following query about an Old Foxer. I've pointed the writer towards the Fox's archive at the Somerset Record Office (where they have an admission register and a photograph for the period) and post the enquiry for general interest and hoping that perhaps it will catch the eye of the school historians among our readers. Any info. would be appreciated and I will pass it on oldhuish@richuish.ac.uk.

I wonder if you could help me? I'm researching the Somerset folklorist and singer Ruth Lyndon Tongue, who went to Bishop Fox's School early in the last century - about 1903 to 1914.

I'd like to get the dates right and wondered if there was an archive I could consult.

"I would like my maiden name to be added to your list 'Ann Nisbet née Harding'. I would love to contact more people from 1946 to 1950 where are you? I keep in touch with two schoolfrinds in Australia and four others that were in 1 Remove.

(Click to enlarge)

I recently bought a postcard of the Kingston Road BFS playing field. Can anyone give me the year this was taken please?

Thanks, Ann". NB: Ann has further entries further down this page Ed.

"Help please. Hopefully Lesley Hooper logs in to the page from time to time. Lesley, my hard drive crashed a couple of weeks ago, taking with it your email address and ordinary address. If you read this, could you please send me an email with that information, so that I can reload on to my system. My address is sueallen@bristol13.freeserve.co.uk. NB: That is bristol one three not bristo double ell - ED.

Out of interest, there will be another get together in Spring this year for those who left around 61-63, so if anyone else would like to join us ... feel free. Look forward to hearing from you. Sue"

So, if Lesley sees this or anyone can help Sue with her address, please get in touch.

"Lovely to find the site.

"Please add this to the web page:

"Sally Baker (now MARKOWSKA) 1969-74 can be contacted on sallymarkowska@aol.com I am living and teaching in West London. Would love to hear from any old friends from school days".

"I have only just found this old school reunion website, and thought that perhaps I could make a contribution.

"I was a boarder at the Weir Lodge boarding hostel from 1955 to 1961. My name then was June Elizabeth Johnson, better known for my nickname Bessie. (I was a bit on the plump side and reminded my fellow first year boarders of Billy Bunter's sister!) Some of the teachers thought this was my real name, as my middle name was Elizabeth and didn't realise it was a nickname. It stayed with me all through my school career and to which I became rather attached.

"Ours was the first intake year when there were five first year classes instead of four due to the beginning of the baby-boom 'bulge' following the war. I enjoyed boarding and Miss Craig, mentioned several times on this webpage, was Head when I left. She used to help out at the hostel sometimes during the week-ends and used to have a small dog which she referred to as a 'walking mop' as it was short legged and very long-haired! She was also a chemistry teacher/graduate and referred to herself as having "asbestos fingers" from handling very hot test-tubes in the lab.

"I cannot remember many other people of my year as it is now quite some time ago, but if this jogs any memories I would be gald to hear from them. For instance, does anyone else remember Weir Lodge as a boarding hostel? Were you youself a boarder and if so when?

"Another thing that was special about Bishop Fox's was that every spring term they produced a light operatic work, usually of Gilbert & Sullivan. Does this tradition continue? If not, when did it end please?

"I hope this is of some interest. My current surname is Barton.

Best wishes"

June (Bessie Johnson)

"The apathy on this website is deafening! I am really sorry for the very pleasant man who runs this site on our behalf, as we [or at least, I !!!] don't seem to get any results. I hoped to hear from some of my contemporaries - and some of those I named do have their details on the Friends Reunited website - but there has been no response. It makes one wonder whether there is any point.

"I heard that Roiney Southcott [don't know her married name] had read my entry and seen my photo, with some amusement. Wish she had contacted me! Yes, the clothes I was wearing in that photo are the ones I can be seen in at all times: jeans and sweater!!!! Roiney seemed to think they were my "walking clothes"!!!!!

"How do I know all this? Roiney is still in touch with my good friend, Heather White [now Heather Pethick since 1965]. Heather and I did not make contact through the internet, but through another old friend, Judith Hearne [now Judith Blew]. Heather and I simply took up our friendship where it had left off when she left school in 1960. We had known each other since infant school days.

"I've now removed my details from the Friends Reunited website, since it was obviously pointless and I was merely a figure of fun.

"I would still like to contact anyone who remembers me and would like to exchange memories of BFS. I was happy there and had some great teachers, who inspired me in my later life".

Too late for this year we read in the Somerset County Gazette, 27 Jun 03, that Hazel Parker (now Mrs Prior-Sankey) has organised a reunion for pupils and staff at the 'new' Bishop Fox's for Saturday 28 June. This is for those who joined the school in 1968 and took O-levels in '73 or A-levels in 1975.

Hello one and all from Penny Stevens. I attended Bishop Fox's, as a member of the R class, from 1965 until my A level year in 1972. It was a memorable and generally positive, happy time. A special highlight was the S.S. Uganda school cruise to the Baltic in approx. 1969. Imagine, a 2 week inclusive cruise for Fifty-eight pounds ( a little more for those who went on to Moscow).
Some of my favourite teachers were Mr. Floyd ( the BEST Maths. teacher, and I'm glad to hear that he is now Taunton's Mayor), Mr. Bebb who taught Spanish not Geography, and who kept everyone awake with his booming voice, Miss. Webber, the Div. 1 French teacher - "Are you with me girls???", Miss. Craig, of course - how did she manage to do what she did before computers ? I always found her to be a fair and humane individual, endearing because of her own quirks and foibles. What was the name of the wild lady english teacher, who managed to make even Paradise Lost so interesting ? Mrs. Holmes perhaps?
I have many fond memories of Bishop Fox's, and especially my class mates. I have managed to keep in contact with quite a few 'old' girls of my year, particularly Sally Smith, Angee Fooks-Bale, Liz Day, Zenah Kenneison - all still living in the Taunton area. Also Claire Thomas (in Kent), Sally Bigwood (near Calgary, Alberta, Canada).
I met Veronica Hall, by coincidence, in Victoria and she told me of this website. She was the first Bishop Fox's girl I have met since I moved to Victoria.
I came to Canada for a trip, in 1973, and have basically lived here ever since, although my family are all still in or quite close to Taunton. My first husband and I travelled quite extensively in the 70's (the backpack thing), both in North America and elsewhere, and we lived in Australia for a year and a half. Then I finally went to University here in Victoria and earned a Geography B.A. (Hons), and started on an M.A., but somehow never finished that. Instead I became separated and divorced, remarried and had two children, now 13 and 10. I work part-time as a recreation instructor, in various capacities, at a local Community Recreation Centre, although I would like to try my hand at something else before too long.
I would love to be part of a reunion for my age mates from Bishop Fox's, to be held in 2012 in the Taunton area, (40 years after our A-Level year). By then, those of us who had our children later in life should be free enough to travel again. If anyone is interested in contacting me, either about a possible reunion or just to say Hello, my email address is mttolmie@pacificcoast.net. My phone number is Area Code 250 - 721 - 3731. I would love to hear from you.

Hi my name is Veronica Hall (now Cross) I went to Bishop Fox's for only two years, 1963-4, and then we moved away some time during my second year there. However I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me! I am now living in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, I came out to Canada in 1975. My e-mail is veronica@coastnet.com

Sue writes, 02/03, with news of another reunion lunch:
Just to let people know that some of us, who left in 1963, will be having another reunion on Saturday, 10th May, 2003. We will be at the Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury, meeting at 12.30 p.m. Names of those who will be there: Liz Pring, Ann Taylor, Jane Robinson, Jane Wreford, Pam Gamblin, Lesley Hooper, Rosemary Evans, Helen Prew, Barbara David and me - Sue Evans. If you would like to join us, please let me know sueallen@bristol13.freeserve.co.uk so that I can organise a large enough table.

Hi! My name is Felicity Sutherland (formerly Berry) and I was at Fish Boxes from 1964 - 71. Most will probably know me as Fiz or Fee and I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me! Does anyone out there know of Christine Staple, Amanda Slade, Barbara Massingham, June Hillier, Leslie Collier or Phillipa and Myrtle Reed? I bumped into both the twins while I was working in Gibraltar in 1977.
Apart from all the teachers mentioned on the site, I particularly remember Mrs Miller the English teacher who came from South Africa and who taught me in my first year. I don't think she was there very long. Who remembers Commander Cook the maths teacher? Does anyone remember the name of the O and A level history teacher?
Gill Mason-Walshaw and I are still in contact and she is the godmother of my daughter, Emma. I am also in contact with Ricki Kimbell, who is currently visiting me on the Gold Coast. Somebody might remember my sister Sally who was there between 62 - 69 (I think). At present, I am living in Australia and my email is fis@tss.qld.edu.au

Margaret has written before (see a long below below) but writes with further news and a new e-mail address:
"Please note email address for Margaret Brown (nee Billing) is now jolymagi@shaw.ca
"Married Jolyon Brown (Taunton School O.B.), an architect I met in Ottawa 30+ years ago and who miraculously shared memories of Taunton and London and mutual acquaintances..
My last "career", from which I retired, was as a computer programmer-analyst - how did I ever get there from my dreams of field biologist?
Still in Nanaimo. BC Canada. List of grandchildren growing! I have taken up quilting and wonder why I didn't do it sooner it's a great pastime. Always happy to hear from "Old Girls".
Met Jacqui Andrews (Evans) (Oregon) and Philippa Forward for a re-union in Victoria BC, in Spring 2000, when we enjoyed the Butchart Gardens. Seem to have lost touch again. Philippa lived in NY - I thought about her on Sept 11, 2001.

Glynis writes: "Hi my name is Glynis Armstrong (formerly Dawes). I was at Bishop Fox's from 1964 to 1971. I remember Mr Bebb and Miss Craig and her dogs very well.
I used to live at Taunton school where my father was a housemaster. I am married, have 2 sons and currently live in Weymouth working for DSS. I am in contact with Shirley Horne but would love to hear from anyone else who remembers me. Does anyone have an address for Susan (Biv) Weaver as we used to hang around together and I have lost contact and would love to have news of her? My e-mail address is mail@acchord.fsnet.co.uk"

Carole writes from her sister's address: "Hello! Carole McShane here (1969 - 74). Just wondered if anyone knows what happened to Stephanie Tredwin, Carolyn Viggers, Caroline Tarr and anyone else in Form 'R'. I have news of Rowena Mirans, Lynne Wilson, Nicola Denham and Doris Hicks. I haven't got my own email but reply to my sister Angela's and she will pass on the message. Really hoping to hear from you!" Angela.Mcshane1@btopenworld.com

We have received the following note. I will forward any enquiries to Patrick.
"My name is Patrick Leach. My mother's maiden name is Ann Denton-Cox. She is alive and well and living in Newcastle Upon Tyne"

Mary has contributed a memoir of her Fox's days and after, which begins: "My name is Mary Newman [now Hutchings] and I was at Bishop Fox's Girls' School from 1955 to 1962. I have read some of the entries and many of them make my own story seem most uninteresting: I didn't marry a fascinating Frenchman, I haven't travelled to the New World or to Down Under. Oh, how boring!!" She mentions several contemporaries and would love to hear from any of them. They include "Alison Hough, Gillian Thomson, Rosemary Williams, Diana Belt, Hilary Witt, Stephanie Field, Hilary Mapstone, Heather White, Judith Hearne, Phyllis Wase, Maureen Gamble, Sheila Kimber and more [short-term memory loss, sorry!]" and the full text of Mary's e-mail appears here (use the 'back button' to return to this page).

Fiona writes: "I am Fi [Fiona] Marot [nee Stephenson].
I was at 'Fish Boxes' from 1972-7. Looking at your web site has really jogged the old memory! People I remember include; Helen Walker, Mandy [who lived in Bicknoller], Julie and Juliette who hung around all the time together, Nicky Bradford, Wanda Gilstoff, Megan Booth, Jackie Trott, and more!
I have recently moved back to the Taunton area having been away for some 20 years and would love to hear from anyone who remembers me! "

Sally wrote in 1999 and writes again with a new e-mail address svonherb@shaw.ca and some further memories of life at Fox's:
"After reading your page today I contacted Lynn Morley (Bellamy) and I hope that I hear back from her.
"I have been reading my diary from 1969 and on March 14 wrote "Mrs. Holmes in a bad mood!" On April 1 I wrote that it was Break-up. Apparently my form (G) broke the glass in the door by the 6A room! Then I wrote "Sandra Valentine put her foot through a chair and Jackie broke the hockey goal. What a day!" And on May 2 I wrote that "Gwyn (Gwyneth Booth) and Addie (Adelina Goodall ) got Stratford John's autograph last night at Allans." I have so many more school related entries but I'll give only one more! On May 5 Miss Craig told us "...that we needn't wear hats this term. Good for her!"
"All this is making me feel old and it will be 30 years this summer since I left school! It seems so amazing that time has gone by so fast! I was back in England last summer to see my family but I'm not planning on doing it again until 2003".

Terry Hunt writes: I was looking at the Foxes site in the context of Mabel Rothwell and noticed the item re 56/57 sixth form. Amongst the names is Celia Lane who had a brother, Martin who was at Huish. I was friendly with Martin through Huish Scouts and Somerset Road Club. We kept contact for years but lost touch in the early seventies.
If Celia could pass this on to Martin Lane, I should be delighted to hear from him.
My good wishes to Celia and to her husband Richard Young (if my memory serves me aright).

My correspondent Fred Grummitt (85) refers to his sister "who is 4 years my senior, went to Bishop Foxes School. Part of the uniform was a very broad brimmed straw hat, which caused her much annoyance in the wind, She now lives in Bath". In response to my further note, Fred replied "The Bishop Foxes school she attended was in the vicinity of the railway station, but I do not know the name of the road, I am sure she would not object to being mentioned. She had a friend called Barbara Coles who, I think was in the same class. Barbara often used to come and stay with her when we lived in Churchinford. Barbara`s parents kept a fancy goods and stationers shop in Taunton". Now, I had believed that before the Kingston Road school was opened in the late 30s the school had occupied the 'old tech' in Staplegrove Road. Can anyone enlighten me? - Ed

NEWS (7), February, 2002 Mabel Rothwell

We are sorry to report the death of Mabel Bell who proposed and held a successful reunion (see announcement further down) of her sixth form contemporaries of the late 1950s. The news comes from her son Richard. Notes on Mabel's extraordinarily full life are at Mabel Patricia Rothwell. (Use your browser 'back' button to return to this page if desired)

Six new contacts already this month! Thank you Lynn. She writes: I was at Fish Box's until 1970 when I was made to go to Weirfield (Yuk!) The names I remember are Best Buddy Kate Morgan (Kate died of a heart attack nearly 3 years ago), Sally Bigwood, Mary Gregory, Sally Budd, Carol Blackmore, Nicola Pope, (Mad) Jackie Pearse, Sheena Fleetwood, Judith Eggleston, Adelina Goodall, Sarah Nesling, Jackie Morgan, Sarah White, Valerie Bishop, Nicola Budden, Claire Thomas, Deborah Toal. There are many more but my memory's not what it was.
The teacher best remembered is Mr Floyd. We went on 'strike' until they promised us he could be our year head 2 years running! He's the Mayor of Taunton now!
I'm still living and working in Taunton, so if there's anyone out there who wants to contact me, I can be found on lynn.morley@zoom.co.uk

Reunions are always fun but can be hard work for the organiser. Make Lesley's job easier by getting in touch NOW and asking how you can help.
She writes: "Just to let people know that a reunion is being arranged on 3 August 2002 (venue still to be confirmed) for all fifth formers from 1976 (or those from that year who stayed on for A Levels and left in 1978)
"I have managed to contact quite a few people through Friends Reunited, but we need more!! Please e-mail me for further details and make this an event to remember!!"
Contact: lesley@probyn200.freeserve.co.uk

A most welcome 'double' for 'oldhuish' and the BF page comes from Veronica and Keith Vickery. They write: Veronica Forgham (55-59)(5G) m. Keith Vickery (Old Huish 53-57) in 1964 - our 38th anniversary coming up!
Emigrated to Australia in 73 with our two daughters. Returned to UK in 80 - now living in Reading. I graduated from Reading University in 94 with a 2.1 Honours Degree in Combined Studies (English & History) Better late than never!
We hope to retire next year and spend more time with our 6 beautiful grandchildren. We also hope to have more time for walking, mountain biking and exploring the English canal system on our shared narrow boat "Unity".
I can still recall Miss Candy (maths) reiterating "The golden rule of fractions is .. !"; Miss Lloyd exhorting us not to visit the circus because of cruelty to the elephants and Miss Craig marching down the quad with her black gown flying behind her. Does anyone else remember the end of year Gilbert and Sullivan operettas?
Our e-mail contact for anyone who remembers us is ronnie@kvickery.freeserve.co.uk

Lyn writes: My name is Lynda Watson née Rowley and I went to Bishop Fox's from February 1977 to July 1978. I would love to hear from anyone that remembers me!!! My e-mail address is lynda@watson4162.freeserve.co.uk

Caroline writes: My name is Caro Keen née Caroline Willmot. I attended Bishop Foxes 75 - 80 and I was in the X's. I am trying to find Diane Ilsley (my best bud until about 82) and would love to hear from anyone else who remembers me!!! Caro's e-mail address is caro@keenc.freeserve.co.uk

Janet writes, in association with Karn: " Karn Junker (now Pannetier) and Janet Watkins (now Cargill) are looking for Miss Kershaw's 6th form biology class who finished in 1972, to get together around the beginning of July 2002. Where are you all? Christine Sansom, Sheena Fleetwood, Judith Eggleston, Adelina Goodall, Lilian Groves, Sarah Nesling, Jane Purvis, Jill Saffrey, Anne Sampson, Anne Stoneham, and Jackie Morgan?
Janet is married with 2 daughters and teaching biology in Kent. Karn is married with 3 children and lives and teaches in Provence.
Please get in touch".

Sue Allen (nee Evans) writes, 26 Jan 02: "Further to my previous message (November 2001), just to say that Sarah Mackinnon is coming to the UK in May and we are arranging a lunch at Malmesbury (just off the M4 - junction 17) on Saturday, 25th May .... anyone else from our year interested in joining us? Just let me know at sueallen@bristol13.freeserve.co.uk

NEWS, January, 2002 Denise Atherden

Our first in 2002:
Denise writes from Winnipeg 7 Jan 2002:
"I was so pleased to find your page. I attended Bishop Fox's until 1963 and some of the names I remember are Jane Randle, Bridget Fowles, June Hawkins. Miss Craig was Head at the time I was there. I had recently been told about the friends reunited site and have been in touch with two old friends through that site. I lived in Bishop's Hull all of my childhood and teen years, moving to Birmingham in 1969 and then to Nottingham. Since 1980 I have lived with my husband Pete (from Wiltshire) in Winnipeg, Canada. I have been working in the Human Resources field for a number of years and am currently working as a Career Counsellor in a private business college.
I would love to hear from anyone who was in 5X with me, or anyone from Bishop's Hull Primary School from 1953-1959.
One of my memories is from the third form when a group of us dyed our hair with "spray on blonde" during the lunchhour and all ended up with extremely blonde hair.
Happy 2002 to everyone!!
Denise is now Denise Hamblin and her e-mail address is: deniseh64@shaw.ca

And yet another November contact:
Judy writes 29/11/01: "I don't know why I didn't look for this site before! I'm Judy Bowerman (now Windwood). I was at Fox's from 1964 to 1971. After A's I did a degree in Town Planning. I now live in Dorset, work for a local authority as a planner and have two children, aged 18 and 20 who are both at uni. I keep in touch with Liz Gonta who lives in Devon and is a social worker and also Isabel Wilcox who is a year older but who I've known since West Buckland Primary days.
Someone got it wrong and said Mr Bebb was a geography teacher; he taught Spanish. Mr Pratchet and Miss Anderson taught Geography with Mr Hodge. And yes, I do remember Blue Floyd!! Does anyone else remember Gladys's striped socks at staff v 1st 11 hockey matches.
Judy's e-mail address: judy@windwoods.freeserve.co.uk

And another November contact:
"Hello my name is Sarah Thompson-Engels nee Thompson of form G '74-'79. Hoorah for an Old Foxers website, what a find.
I did an art foundation course at SCAT after leaving school then a Fine Arts degree at Wolverhampton Poly. I'm still painting and living in Cape Town for the time being.
Maybe there are other Old Foxes living in the 'fairest cape'?Please anyone who remembers me or Kate Smith or Celia Morris get in touch for a laugh". Sarah's e-mail: duncansarah@hotmail.com

Another November contact:
"Found this website by accident and was reading Beverley Thompson's recollection of her first detention with Mrs Stock My name is Kate Smith. I was in 'G' form and am currently working at the Open University. Does anyone remember locking Miss Clements out of the classroom or Sarah Thompson pretending to be Miss Clement's dog locked in a cupboard in the toilets or perhaps the whole class hiding under the table from Mr Gillingham and him being somewhat perplexed that no-one had turned up to his lovely lessons or did anyone have to pick up all the rubbish on the hockey pitch with me for getting the lowest exam results in the year in 1977. I could go on...those were the days my friend". Kate's e-mail address is k.smith@open.ac.uk

We kick off the November contacts with an e-mail from Sue, who writes:
"I have just discovered the BF web page (have to make allowances for the non- computer generation!!) and the first name I saw was Pam Gamblin - brilliant, and have now made contact. My name is Sue Allen (née Evans) and I was at BF at the same time as Pam, i.e. leaving in 1963. Now living in Bristol and in touch with many other old BFs ... Barbara David, Liz Pring, Helen Prew, Jane Wreford, Jane Robinson, Ann Taylor, Rosemary Evans, Sarah Mackinnon (in NZ) and Janet Parsons (in Australia). Apart from those across the seas, we meet up every couple of years for lunch in Malmesbury .... lunch usually lasts around 4-5 hours! Is there anyone else out there from our year who would like to make contact and hopefully join our get together? Contact point: sueallen@bristol13.freeserve.co.uk
"As a point of interest, I am also in touch with Hilary Mapstone, Alison Hough and Rae Gadd (married name Turner)"

In a second piece of BF news for October, Pam writes:
"My name is Pam Taylor, nee Gamblin. I was at BF 1956 - 1963. I am interested to see Patricia Dean's name listed as I was very friendly with her younger sister Margaret who was in my year and wonder if anyone is in touch. I am now living in Caerphilly South Wales". We are hoping that perhaps Mabel Bell (Rothwell) may be able to help, but if anyone else has news of Margaret Dean, please contact Pam on Directplant@aol.com

Diana writes: "I am Diana Bovey (now Clode) and I was at Fox's from 1959 - 1966. I keep in touch with Cheryl McCluskey, Vivian Webb and Frances Reynolds-Parsons, but I would love to hear from other old friends from those good old days. I was so pleased to find the site, after a failed attempt to register at a school friends finder website.
I now live in North London with husband and three children.
Di Clode, e-mail: di.clode@ncr.com

Ann writes at some most welcome length about her many Bishop Fox's contacts. The full text of her e-mail is given below. Here is her introduction:
"I've recently connected my computer to the net and was pleased to find the Bishop Fox's old girls' news.
"My name is Ann MOULINET-LOURY née RICHARDS and I was at Bishop Fox's from 1971- 1977. I moved to France in 1982. I'm now an English teacher at the Lycée in Joigny (northern Burgundy) where my pupils are aged from 15 to 21."

"I was at Bishop Fox's from 1970 - 1977.
"I now live in Kenilworth in Warwickshire and am currently studying and teaching at Warwick University.
"Despite having been determined on a dramatic career (and certainly its ups and downs have been dramatic in a way!) history has been the focus of my activities since leaving school - but I plan finally to go to Drama school and start my career as an actress when I'm 50. I was always better at older women's parts anyway!
"Is there anyone out there from my era? Being in your forties is so scary - it would be nice to know a few of us made it!
Angela's e-mail address is: Angela.Mcshanejones1@btinternet.com

March is off to a flying start! Denise writes (9 Mar 01): "Denise Blackmore (nee Newton). Just happened across this site by accident. I was at Fox's from '74 - 81 in L. Married a former Huish's pupil, Andy Blackmore, and we now live in Chippenham with our two young sons. I am still in contact with Sharon Oaten, Zena O'Rourke, Yvonne Jolly, Catherine Law, Michaela Dormer and Sue Hall. (Sharon remembers Beverley Thompson from her Maths days). I have some very interesting memories from those days - especially teas in County Stores, French Exchanges to Lillebonne, Miss Poole's German lessons and the feeling of terror of having Miss Stock as an English Teacher. (Also remember Miss Hansom trying to find out why Mr Bowler's Physics with Chemistry Class did so badly in their exams!)
Would be very interested to hear from anyone who remembers us. My e-mail address is Denise.Blackmore@southwestrda.org.uk"

Beverley writes: "My name is Beverley Buttery (née Thompson). I was a pupil at Bishop Fox's from 1974-1981 in form R. I found this web page quite by accident and would love to look up my old form. I am still in touch with Clare Bartleet (now Hood) and we would love to hear from any of the following girls. Fiona Mockridge, Andrea Burke, Sue Baker, Janet Davis, Allison Deane, Catherine Matthews....the list goes on but if anyone out there is reading this and remembers getting a detention from Mrs Stock on our first day there, then please get in touch at bndbuttery@hotmail.com"

Two contacts this month. First, Julia Sully-Morgan writes, 21/22.2.01:
I am of the same era as Fiona Walker Graham. It does not seem possible we are coming upto 30 years since we left.
I married a welshman and live near Monmouth with our 3 yearold who makes me feel 25 or 65 depending on the time of day. I would love to hear from anyone from our time, Lynne Rogers who I heard of last in Essex, Vicky Cornish etc.

My name is Sara Allen - I was Sara Woodburn at Bishop Fox's and was there between 1968 and 1975. I am still in touch with some of my friends from those years - Liz Naylor, Katharine Jones and Sue Ford. I would love to know of the whereabouts of others - especially Clare Jones who was in my circle of friends between 1973 and 1975 in form 6BW. She married a vicar-to be Mark Sanders and is now no doubt a vicar herself. I remember all the teachers listed by Sue Greenwood and especially Mr Tullett who taught music and Mrs Reading who taught me to love Shakespeare!
If anyone would like to get in touch please e-mail me at woodal@lineone.net

I was really pleased to find the Fox's page today, especially as there were quite a few names I recognised.. especially of teachers, Miss Lloyd in particular, she is pretty unforgettable!
I was in the same year as Hilary Wallen (although didn't really know her) I was friendly with Barbara Burford and Rosemary Carter, with whom I am still in touch, also Sue Yarranton, Susan Wellington, Margaret Mead, Daphne Venner, Carol Rowcliffe, Carol Burton, Rae Turner and others. The years were 1957 to 1963.
I would be interested to hear from anyone who knew me if they felt like getting in touch. I would very much like to hear from Margaret Mead, I kept in touch with her for many years.
Jeanne Wightman (nee Selwood) ladyparkisus@btinternet.com

The Somerset County Gazette for 24 Nov carried the following announcement:

"For a few years Bishop Fox's Old Girls' Association has gathered on the first Wednesday of June and December for a lunch at the Albemarle Centre, Taunton.
"We welcome more old girls from the grammar school, so join us on Wednesday, December 6, at 12.30 for 1pm.
"Phone Pat Parkhouse (01823 337731) by November 27 if you want to come so the Albemarle knows the numbers. She will give a menu choice which is varied.
"See you on the 6th.
PATRICIA DENING, Sampford Brett"

PS: Patricia has been in touch again to say that the June 2001 Lunch takes place on Wed. 6th June and numbers are slightly up on last time.

My name was Ann Coles and I started at Bishop Fox's in 1950. I came in on the bus from Wiveliscombe and we had to get off and walk up the back road past Miss Lloyd's house although we were allowed to go as far as the Odeon and take a local bus if it was raining. The thought of her still makes me tremble. Anthea and Rosalind Deacon (ginger hair) were the prefects who got on in Milverton. Is there anyone out there for me now?
I have lived in the U.S. since 1960, about an hour outside of New York City. I will be in England at the end of November and will be visiting my friend Angela Greedy and would be interested in making contact with any others.

HELP, July, 2000. Where is Hilary Wallen? Another enquiry for Hilary Wallen, this time from Gilliam (sic) M. Turner at Florida State University who writes:

I'm wondering if it's the same person, but there can't be too many Hilary Wallens in Taunton. As far as I can remember, she went to school with me - if this is the same person - I thought she went to the old Weirfield School, as I can remember taking a school trip to Switzerland and she and I roomed together. I actually have a picture of her still, taken during the course of that trip. I remember she lived on...I think it's Trull Road - the road that Queen's College is on? I was in Taunton last summer, but I actually left Taunton in 1967, so I'm a little rusty as the names of roads, etc. My father actually still lives in Enmore on the Quantocks...

NEWS, July, 2000. Fiona Graham (Walker) writes:

Dear Bishop Fox's webmaster...... I'm so pleased I happened upon the Fish Boxes website - name after name of teachers I recall from my stint in Staplegrove Road (1969-74). Mr Gough for Geography and as our fourth form class teacher; Miss Hutchinson drumming just enough Latin in me to last the decades until I realised how important it was. Miss Craig's inimitable smile & hairstyle. Memories of the hot blackcurrant, bovril, etc., in the machine at the bottom of the science corridor stairs. The amazingly stark canteen building. I could go on......... If anyone out there from 4X, 5X, 6BR & 6AR - leaving summer 1974 - reads this do please get in touch. I'm of the Linda Wiltshire, Fiona Mumme, Fiona Richards, Sue Johnson, Andrea Burton, Jayne & Gail Blackmore, etc., vintage. I actually keep in christmas card touch with Laura Pitman and would love to hear from others if only to see how we all shape up (not literally!) in middle age. I look forward to reading more.
Fiona Graham (now Walker)
NR34 8NN will find me if anyone cares to write or email walkerpf@talk21.com

NEWS, May, 2000. News from Turkey. Sally Andrews, '71 - 77, has discovered the Fox's page and is in touch with some of her friends but hopes to hear from more. Sally's e-mail follows

NEWS, March, 2000. Cherida Babb, now Cherida Coleman, 100 Knightlow Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 8QA (0121 4291561) who left in 1958, is organising a reunion this summer. The Somerset County Gazette for Fri 24 March carries her announcement. She says: 'The year 2000 has a number of milestones for us, particularly as most of my classmates will be 60 during this year. A few of us have kept in touch over the years [...and] we would love to make contact with as many of our year as possible'.

NEWS, January, 2000. Roma Chaffer, as was, 1958-63, is now in Portsmouth and keeps in touch with Ann Griffiths. She would like to get in touch with contemporaries including Sandra Berry, Judy Criddle, Avril Kellaway, Pat Jarvis, Pauline Lewis, Susan Ryan and Sheila Carey. Her e-mail address is romac@lineone.net and any information would be appreciated.

NEWS, October 1999. Sue Greenwood, as was, now Sue Bellamy, 1968-73, writes from Halifax. Her news and e-mail address is below.

NEWS, September 1999. A warm welcome to the Sellick sisters, Michelle ('77-'82), Deborah ('75-'80) and Joanne ('80-'85). Michelle's e-mail follows

Marie-Louise Tall, went to Bishop Fox's from 1977-1980 (3rd, 4th and 5th year). She would like to contact Katie Atkinson, Janet Dunnett, Ruth Hawker, Suzanne Woodland, Heather Venn, Jill Quantock ........ the crowd from the 283 bus. Marie-Louise can be contacted at SOTO-TALL@infomail.lacaixa.es

NEWS, June 1999. Another reunion is proposed for June 99 - see below: entries are in roughly date order so the most recent are towards the end. The 'hits' for May '99 again show the BF pages near the top of the list, yet I still get very few responses. Do feel free to write in with your news or comments, using the link above.

NEWS, April 1998. Through the kindness of the Bursar at Bishop Fox's Community School, Jim Markham, I've received copies of three booklets, 'The History of Bishop Fox's School', 'Memories of Bishop Fox's School' and 'Farewell to Kingston Road'. Subject to their permission, I hope to include a few notes based on these little books of history and recollections in future revisions of this page.

The first result of my publicising these additions to my Bishop Fox's knowledge comes from Patricia Mear, Mrs Clem Nettell, who writes as follows (Apr 98):

"I have very few interesting recollections except attending school half days when Coburn were evacuated to Taunton and both schools were using the Staplegrove Road premises while the new school in Kingston Road was being completed.
"One thing you might not know. During the war some of the girls at Bishop Fox's worked on a banner depicting the crest of Bishop Fox. There were banners of the Cardinals and Bishops embroidered by many different groups. The final resting place for these banners, the choir stalls in Wells Cathedral. I was privileged to be one of the students chosen to work on this banner. When visiting Wells in the 70's the verger showed me where they were and shook my hand, saying that I was a part of history".

Bishop Fox's School, Class One Remove 1946 are holding a re-union in Taunton Sat. April 5th. Contact: Mrs. Ann Nisbet, 21 Granville Street, Leamington Spa, Warwicks. CV32 5XW for details.

Mrs. Nisbet and I were able to meet at the College on 15th April and we reviewed these pages and talked about the possibilities of launching an Old Foxers' page. Ann and her husband will be thinking about this and will put me in touch with anyone who seems likely to be able to set up and run a sister page. At the Old Huish AGM last week I was pleased to meet Rosemary Thomas, the daughter of R. ('Nat') Allen, a former master at Huish's. She has put me in touch with Pat Parkhouse who tells me that there are still fairly regular meetings of Old Foxers and that there is a parallel group of girls who were evacuated to Taunton in the early 'forties from Coborn School. She believes that Audrey Silke (neé Burbage?) is a member of this group. Unfortunately none of these ladies is able to undertake the editing and management of a Web site, so I am still looking for someone who would like to take it on. Naturally, I'd be pleased to offer any assistance to get it going and I daresay Huish's might be kind enough to offer Web space on their server. Please use the MAILTO link in the first paragraph if you would like to hear more.

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