Comments on: At the Daneford Trust

By: Barrington Gilbert

Barrington Gilbert — Thu, 05 May 2022 14:31:05 +0000

I remember Tony Stevens very well. Tony Sargent and myself used to visit him and Barry Pateman in their flat in Approach Rd I believe.
These two, along with Mr Goodman and of course, Illtyd Harrington had a big effect on me.
I remember the Botswana trip, Mr Stevens coming back and playing african music to the assembly!

I have spent many years as an addict and then onto working with addicts and running courses around addiction. I went to Daneford from 70-76/77 and lived in Virginia Rd…we had Bishops greengrocers…until my dad realised he could earn more with crime and becoming an artist.

Great to see these pics and read Tony’s memories.

By: Dave E

Dave E — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 17:51:15 +0000

Terry Allen wow, you have done good, I applaud you. You were my neighbour 1967 to 1975 I think. Also think you had a brother Jon Jon? I lived at 42 BH across the landing to you. I went to Daneford same time as you but not sure if you were in my class. I have other info but not on here. Don’t think our parents saw eye to eye no offence but glad to hear you seem to have excelled in life. Hats off to you.

As for Mr Stevens I don’t recall you, I was only at Daneford 1968 to about a month or so not 1969 term and I left, well was dragged out by my mum. Polish Teachers locked the classroom door twice keeping us in, I walked out having none of that. She never approved. (dont worry I grew up all ok lol) I remember Mr Harrington, Mr Perry and as you say Paki Bashing that was frightening to me, let alone the victims.. Skinheads in the playground chasing groups of Pakistanis and burying them in the sand pit, yes in school. Heads down WCs until they started fighting back.

By: Terry Allen

Terry Allen — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 20:07:22 +0000

I was dragged up in Broadway house and went to school at Seabright in the 60’s the headteachers being Ms Soames and Mr Evansthen to Daneford in those days we were feral, I ended up in the army, boxed in the pros and then worked as a Clinical Hypnotherapist for several years and I discovered how we create our experiences which led me into two of my dream jobs. The first was in pro football as a sports psychologist then I became a peripatetic chess coach which lasted for 19 years as I taught in both State and Private schools which were a real eye-opening experience. I often wonder what my old school teachers would say if they could see me do that.
At close to 60 I am doing a Law degree with the OU as I am still irascible and iconoclastic when it comes to authority. I have not paid Council Tax now for the past 8 years citing English Constitutional Law which we were never taught at school when it should be imbibed with our school milk as the reason to not pay it.
I am writing a book on Consciousness and Near-Death Experiences at the age of 6 I jumped out of the window of my parents flat in Broadway House and the Angel saved me that day and I have had a few brushes with mortality since but the Demiurge as not managed to checkmate me yet.
Be lucky and remember all things in moderation including moderation one of my mottos in life.
If Nietzche is correct we get to do it all over again there does seem to be strong evidence for the Eternal Return, next time around I will play for Arsenal!

By: Nahid Aslam

Nahid Aslam — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 17:43:46 +0000

Dear Tony, it was lovely chatting with you yesterday at the Weavers Field Mela. I would very much be interested in getting involved with the Daneford Trust and the Street Children’s Project as well.
Please keep me informed with what is going on. I hope to be at the fundraising lunch on the 20th.
Kindest
Nahid (from Pakistan/Edinburgh)

By: tony stevens

tony stevens — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 22:06:30 +0000

Good evening Mark. Yes I remember your Grand Dad well. sadly, cannot recall any photographs. Do get in touch, via this email – if you return to read this at all… T

By: Mark Rowson

Mark Rowson — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 15:24:23 +0000

Tony Stevens – just been reading my Grandads autobiography (of sorts) and he taught at Daneford School for ten years as the brass teacher. Any chance you remember him and maybe have some photos please? Ronald (Ronnie) Waterworth.

By: Tony Stevens

Tony Stevens — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 11:20:27 +0000

Dear Friends/Respondents,

Thanks a lot for the encouraging comments.

The Trust is still here and there are many excellent (younger) people than can take-over and take it forward, when I get to go (early 2014, I hope!).

I’ll look into getting a donate button, we have an IT Trustee.

Sadly, lost touch with Paul Duck. I’m hoping we can see him again, sometime. He was (& is?) a lovely chap.

Thanks to Dewlar. TS

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 18:06:55 +0000

What a tale. What did Tony choose to do with his time after he went part time as a teacher?
How this sadly rings still true today – ‘Working-class kids have always remained excluded from such experiences and many continue to be. I wanted to provide opportunities for such kids to experience and learn about the world in order to come back and help to build the egalitarian, multi-cultural society that we all so want.”

By: Peter

Peter — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 15:20:02 +0000

Delwar, thank you for relaying this wonderful tale from the brilliant bloke that is Tony to us; best regards to you and Tony and best wishes for more success to the Trust.

By: sprite

sprite — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 11:23:06 +0000

That last picture is quite extraordinary. Fork and knife parrallel, pattern on the jumper looking like stacked skyscrapers, topped by that hat touching the shoulders… it has a weird beauty of unconscious composition. You might want to make it into a postcard with Paul’s permission.

Good to hear the Trust is still going strong. It would have been good to have a picture of your dog as well, Tony.

sprite

aka Claire, Frances and Rosie’s friend.