Figure 1.--This is the Dene School, a small private school, in 1941-42. It was located in Saltdean along the Channel near Brighton. |
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To our surprise there were several schools called the Dene School. We thought it was a rather unusual name. This particular schoolhool was at Saltdean, on the English southern, Channel coast, about 5 miles east of Brighton. This would have placed it during 1940 right in the path of the possible NAZI invasion. Many schools along the Channel were evacuated during the War. We think this was mostly the private schools that had buildings the military could use, but I could be wrong about that. The Dene School or Dene as it was called was not evacuated, despite Luftwaffe attackls along the coast. We have found a photograph from 1941-42 (figure 1). These children would have had a ring-side seat on the Battle of Britain as it developed during 1940. The school was run by two spinster ladies: Miss Gardner and Miss Brough. I'm not sure why it was called The Dene. The school was located in a house in either Oaklands Avenue West or Bevendean Avenue West. It was quite a small school. A school like this in the 19th century might have been called a dame school. There was no uniform. The girls all wear dresses. The boys short pants. All the children seem to be wearing sandals in this summer bphoto graph (Ififure 1). A reader writes, "Hi , I just saw the site with the Dene School, brought back happy memories! I was a pupil there in the early sixties, miss Gardner was still in charge. Miss Brough lived opposite but we didn't see much of her, I guess she was getting on a bit then. We used to do gardening at the back. The school was as you say in Bevendean Ave West. I remember having some pretty awful school lunches there! It would be interesting to know if any others are still in the Saltdean area." [Bolton] Another former student writes, "I found your site on 'the Dene School', Saltdean. near Brighton, Sussex, UK very interesting. I was a student there at the end of World War II for about 2 years. I know it has nothing to do with clothing but have dug out an old school report which you may use if you think adds to the site's interest. Not an inspiring student and only four in the class. Can not recall any school photos but the family snapshot with me on the right would have been from my time at the school about 1945. Always remember Miss Gardner, hazy on Miss Brough. Many thanks for site, sounds like you have a huge commitment there." [Watson] Robert has kindly sent us a copy of his 1945 school report card (page 1 and page 2).
Bolton, Steve. E-Mail message (Januuary 27, 2021).
Watson, Robert. E-Mail message (February 21, 2021).
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