Comments on: Barbara Jezewska, Teacher

By: Barbara

Barbara — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:13:35 +0000

Hello Harry !!!! We have not seen each other for 60 years but what wonderful memories I have of our days in Casson St . I too go back and wander the streets and although so much has changed , so much remains . It would be lovely to meet up some time . I will be in touch . I do hope you are all well and happy .

By: Harry Hambi

Harry Hambi — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 11:50:53 +0000

What a lovely surprise to read this article.
I remember Barbara, her sister Tina , and brother peter. My family the Hambis,, shared the house at 1 casson street with Barbaras family. I also missed the East end when my family moved to West London. I miss Casson street and the freedoom we all had back in the day, and regularly visit when I can and just walk around and the memories flood back.
Hope Barbara and her family are well.

By: Carole Greaves

Carole Greaves — Fri, 02 May 2025 20:45:57 +0000

Barbara’s comments brought back so many memories. I also lived in Casson Street, my family moved into number 27 when I was 7 in 1957, so around the same time as Barbara moved in. I knew the Hambi family very well. Often helping with childcare even though I was young myself, I was older than all of them. As I remember, their names were Harry, Alec, Andrew, Nicolas and Helen. Sneaking some of them into Saturday morning pictures as they were too young. I think you had to be 5. I also remember Uncle Alf, the Beehive factory, the peanuts, nougat and chocolate. Oh and Alfie too, he was the only one with a bicycle and if we were lucky he let us have a go. It was a man’s bike, but it never stopped us. I wonder if she knew Valerie and Christine Read, they also lived in Hopetown Street, possibly in the same house as Alfie, if not next door. We all went to Christchurch School in Brick Lane. I also went to Sir John Cass school when I reached 11. We eventually moved to Suffolk in 1963. A whole new world a million miles from the East End. But have never forgotten those years

By: Christine Beesley

Christine Beesley — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:15:05 +0000

A fellow pupil from CFS! Do join us on our FB (closed) page, Barbara.

By: Adele Lester

Adele Lester — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 01:58:45 +0000

Very interesting, especially seeing that CFS report card, signed by the one and only Elaine Dunford! Congratulations Barbara on your successes – like many of us East End kids, we had more freedom than today’s kids and became more mature much earlier. Working every day after school is commendable and obviously prepared you for a full and fulfilling adulthood! PS if you aren’t already aware of it, us CFS ‘old girls’ have our own Facebook page. Come check us out!!

By: Vivian Campbell

Vivian Campbell — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 16:17:50 +0000

I can relate to your story Barbara as we are the same age. I went to Cannon Barnett primary but did not pass my eleven plus. Went on to Sir John Cass, I lived opposite Central Foundation school in Bishopsgate. We may have passed each other during our school days. I married in St Botophs Bishopsgate in 1974.

By: Bailey Jones

Bailey Jones — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 13:31:01 +0000

An great insight into growing up in the 1960s.
Life was tough for working class kids but the freedom was amazing.

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 12:17:54 +0000

Thank you, Barbara. It seems like a harsh and brutal world lately, and this morning I appreciate stories that reconnect us to our humanity. My father was a born story-teller, in his own inimitable way, and he always assured me that the big moments would take care of themselves……..but the
small glimpses were the ones that should be captured; and would provide the most insights.
Hard to express. I have been writing my own Chronicles of my early life growing up in a small place outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Just for my own enjoyment; just to tend the memories and keep them lively. I am blessed to still have two good friends from those years, and we share recollections and celebrate our current lives. I so appreciate how Barbara has communicated about her world and how she includes wisps and glances. It made her story very visual and vibrant.

Most appreciated!

By: achim

achim — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 11:26:48 +0000

An incredibly empathetic post-war life story. Yes, you can think endlessly about what those times were like (which, by the way, I also experienced myself). Memories from childhood, fabric from mum’s dress, a handmade necklace, school reports (‘Barabara works well, should have more faith in her abilities’). — How many parallels I find in them. I myself have kept and archived so many things from my childhood that are still around me at home today… My 60-year-old teddy bear is sitting on my couch, watching all this too!

As my good friend Erich Kästner (who once wrote me a letter) said so beautifully: ‘Only those who grow up and remain a child are human.’

Love & Peace
ACHIM

By: Susan Hadley nee Pope

Susan Hadley nee Pope — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 09:58:48 +0000

What a pleasant surprise to see this article.I remember Barbara from our Central Foundation schooldays. Interesting to read her back story (as kids we never asked!