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In the 1986 Holmewoodian, Patrick Moore O.B.E. gave his reflections on the early years at Holmewood House. More...
We recently had the privilege of speaking to David Maxwell Whiting, who attended Holmewood between 1948 and 1953. Here are some of his Holmewood House… More...
One of the oldest artefacts in the archive is an early school prospectus. More...
Holmewood House School was founded in 1945 by John and Mary Collings and Andy Trotter. The school originally had just eight boys!
Opening in the post-war era, rationing remained and school and sports equipment was limited. Staff were not paid until the end of the month (a practice that continued until at least 1974).
Only the Mansion House and various outbuildings existed when the school opened. The school was situated on around 12/15 acres, compared to the 32 acre site today.
The beds in the boarding house were brought from army camp sales and the lockers were made from attic floorboards.
The school uniform was originally cream and brown, becoming dark and light blue in 1960.
The number of boys enrolled at the school reached 50 in 1948.
The first edition of The Holmewoodian was issued in 1949: "We may claim that the egg which has hatched four a half years ago has now developed into a sturdy and fully fledged fowl. It has also curiously learned to swim for it decided at once to build its own swimming pool." The outside pool was constructed by Frank Ashby, who constructed many other buildings for the school during this time.
The school song was also printed in The Holmewoodian. This was written by J. H. Oldham and set to music by P. A. Moore.
By 1950 there were 100 boys with a waiting list stretching into 1956.
New school clubs were also introduced - dramatic, photographic, historical, art and astronomy. The latter was run by Patrick Moore.
The first rugby match occurred in 1951 with Stamp Club and Chess Club also introduced that year.
The acquiring of a projector meant that educational films were shown fortnightly.
By 1952 there were five houses: Oak, Cedar, beech Birnam and Elm. Elm was given its name because the school’s butler, Park, could not say Helm.
Construction included the Headmaster’s house, a playroom for two kindergarten forms and increased changing room accomodation.
The Historical Society visited the Houses of Parliament and Hampton Court.
Patrick Moore left the school. During his time at the school, as well as teaching, he had written plays, run ches club, edited the school magazine and kept up with Old Boys' news.
The 1st XI cricket team won all of their games with C. Gatty taking 6 wickets in 6 balls – the first Holmewoodian to do so.
The boys watched the Coronation of Elizabeth II on television.
The cellars were turned into changing rooms having previously been used for various hobbies and games.
A Railway Club was formed with members taken on a trip to London.
The school acquired the top of the North field meaning seven games could be played at once.
A new gym and playroom was built.
The first continental tour was organised by Joe Oldham and Sandy Helm. Driving on the right hand side of the road was described as “almost as hair raising and hazardous as travelling in a well-known car to a school match!”
Film shows continued to be popular with educational films shown on Mondays and feature films on some Wednesdays.
The Holmewoodian magazine included form lists and form teachers for the first time.
The magazine also included the school’s resolutions: limit numbers to 150 boys (90 boarders and 60 day), classes to be 12 or less, three Houses with 50 boys, a Housemaster and a matron.
The Father's Match was a success. The school XI put up a good show but the Fathers' XI were victorious for the first time in several years. Ice cream was given out to those watching.
The riding stables became Beech House and Sandy and Paddy Helm moved in.
A three house system was firmly in place: Beech, Oak and Cedar.
Two notable sportsmen visited the school: Colin Cowdrey to coach cricket and Peter Waterman to judge the House boxing competition.
There was a huge bonfire party in November after parents provided fireworks.
Cricketers Alan Oakman and Arthur Fagg visited the school.
John Collings died in August. He had been one of the founders of the school and Headmaster for fourteen years. In 1959 The Holmewoodian ended: "Loyal to his friends, ambitious, ruthless, successful - the words decribe John, the words describe his School."
Bob Bairamian became Headmaster in the Autumn.
Under Sandy Helm the 1st XI soccer team won all seventeen matches with 150 goals for and 11 against. The Holmewoodian magazine used to cover the whole year rather than the academic year but here you see can the first fourteen matches from the academic year.
For the first time The Holmewoodian contained photographs of the sports teams and listed all members of staff and their subjects.
