Barnsbury Boy - Brian Karavis - 1948-1953
Brian Karavis
What a pleasure it was to find your online magazine. Well done!
I went to Barnsbury Central from 1948 to 1953. The photo of School Masters 1951 - 1952, therefore, brings back memories.
I was at Hargrave Park before going to Barnsbury. At the interview, Dr. Wardman’s first question was, “Can you sing?” I said, “No, but I can play the recorder.” He replied, “Well that’s almost as good!” The rest of the interview was easy.
My 1st year class teacher was Mr. D. Watson. My 2nd and 3rd year class teacher was Mr. G.R. Jellico. My 4th year class teacher was Mr. A.E. Brown.
In my 2nd year, we had three brilliant swimmers (Davis, Read and Mead), who all became London Champions and were particularly good at the 100 yds. relay. Although I was a reasonable breast stroke swimmer, I could never enter the Islington Galas because of the magnificent trio!
A school trip to France was being organised, and Mr Bassett(?) was collecting our subscriptions for the trip. He absconded with the money and we never saw him or our money again! That was my only opportunity for a school trip abroad. However, I did go to Denmark as a Senior in the 10th North London Scout Group (Upper Holloway) in 1952.
In the 4th year, 1952, I became London Schoolboy Boxing Champion (8 st. 12 lb Intermediate), and went on to be runner up in the All England Finals at Wembley. Field Marshal Montgomery presented the certificates. Messrs. Madley and Jellicoe provided the training and support for my boxing.
The 5th year with Mr. Page was very enjoyable; although we were working for our ‘O’ Levels. After exams, we often bunked off to Highbury Fields for a game of tennis.
What a pleasure it was to find your online magazine. Well done!
I went to Barnsbury Central from 1948 to 1953. The photo of School Masters 1951 - 1952, therefore, brings back memories.
I was at Hargrave Park before going to Barnsbury. At the interview, Dr. Wardman’s first question was, “Can you sing?” I said, “No, but I can play the recorder.” He replied, “Well that’s almost as good!” The rest of the interview was easy.
My 1st year class teacher was Mr. D. Watson. My 2nd and 3rd year class teacher was Mr. G.R. Jellico. My 4th year class teacher was Mr. A.E. Brown.
In my 2nd year, we had three brilliant swimmers (Davis, Read and Mead), who all became London Champions and were particularly good at the 100 yds. relay. Although I was a reasonable breast stroke swimmer, I could never enter the Islington Galas because of the magnificent trio!
A school trip to France was being organised, and Mr Bassett(?) was collecting our subscriptions for the trip. He absconded with the money and we never saw him or our money again! That was my only opportunity for a school trip abroad. However, I did go to Denmark as a Senior in the 10th North London Scout Group (Upper Holloway) in 1952.
In the 4th year, 1952, I became London Schoolboy Boxing Champion (8 st. 12 lb Intermediate), and went on to be runner up in the All England Finals at Wembley. Field Marshal Montgomery presented the certificates. Messrs. Madley and Jellicoe provided the training and support for my boxing.
The 5th year with Mr. Page was very enjoyable; although we were working for our ‘O’ Levels. After exams, we often bunked off to Highbury Fields for a game of tennis.