BCS 50th anniversary booklet V2

Butlers Court School
1966-2016

50 years of history
and memories

12th January 1966 saw the doors

of Butlers Court Primary School

open for the first time. The

growing population of Beaconsfield,

particularly along Wattleton Road,

warranted extra school places. It was

immediately popular, drawing children

from the overcrowded classrooms of

St Mary & All Saints and Holtspur

schools. 143 children were registered

that day, their names impeccably

Happy 50th Butlers Court! hand-written by Mrs Vincent, the
Headteacher’s wife. The school’s

popularity has never waned and there are now 428 pupils registered in

2016 with a continual waiting list for places.

At the official opening of the school in July 1966, Mr Vincent was
quoted in the Bucks Free Press as saying, “You are going to hear a great
deal about the achievements of Butlers Court”. ‘Encouraging success
and celebrating achievement’ remains our motto today, and the many
achievements over the last 50 years have been testimony to this.
Whether academic, or in sport, music and drama, or being a good
leader, friend or team player, children are, and have been, encouraged
to find success.

As only the third Headteacher in 50 years, I am extremely proud to lead
this wonderful school. It is a privilege to watch each cohort of pupils
grow from enthusiastic four year olds to confident and accomplished
eleven year olds. Mr Astbury, my predecessor of 27 years, was witness
to more than one such generation. It is the balance of continuity and
innovation that keeps this school strong and stable but at the same time
forever-young and fit for the 21st century.

This book, produced by a group of 2016 parents, is an attempt to
capture our history and provide a milestone as we move forward.

Jeanette Marshall, Headteacher

Butlers Court Before 1966

In 1768, Dublin-born politician Edmund Burke, like so many of your
families, decided to move from London to Beaconsfield. He bought a
large estate called Gregories from the Gregories family who had lived
here in town since the 13th century. The house, as you can see from the
picture below, was very grand and sat on 600 acres of land. It cost
Edmund Burke £22,000. Houses in Beaconsfield cost rather more
nowadays.

An illustration of Butlers Court (then Gregories) from the 18th Century

The house had actually been renamed Butler’s Court by a previous owner,
Ralph Butler. Confusingly it has been called by both names at various
times ever since. The farm which was part of the estate dates back to the
17th century and was next to the pond which is still on the school's land
today. Sadly the farm, which so many of our pupils from our opening year
in 1966 remember fondly, no longer exists.
After Edmund Burke died in 1797, the house was rented to the Reverend
Smith who wanted to use it as a school for the sons of local gentry. Sadly,
in April 1813, just after the renovations had begun, a fire broke out and
the house was utterly destroyed. It was not rebuilt and the estate fell into
decay.

Then in 1891, the Grenfell family built a new house on the site. The house
later passed into the hands of Captain Shirley Sutton Timmis. It was
during his time as owner, in 1934, that the house once again caught fire.
Luckily, this time around, it was damaged, but not destroyed, and was
faithfully rebuilt.

During WWII the Timmis
family moved into Grove
House on Grove Road
(where the Dewar family
went on to live, you'll
learn about them later).
This allowed Butler’s
Court to be used as a
convalescent home for
the Free French Forces. In
1941, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth (now the Queen Mother) and
the mother of the current General de Gaulle visiting the recovering soldiers
Queen (who like our
school has a very special birthday this year), and the French President,
General de Gaulle, visited the recovering French soldiers there.

Then in 1948, it was bought by the London County Council who, like the
Rev. Smith back in the 1800s, wanted to use it as a school. Although these
plans came to nothing, we can see that having a school on this site was
destined to be. In 1966, Butlers Court School opened nearby to its very
first pupils.

Today, the house which was known as Butler’s Court with its
original walled garden is a residential property once again, having been
turned into the homes of Queens Acre, where some of our current pupils
and their families live.

You might have recognised some of the names mentioned in this brief
history - Gregories, Butlers Court, Burkes, Grenfell and Wattleton are all
roads here in our town. Many of you live there, or walk down those roads
on your way to school. Now you know how they got those names, read
on to learn about how our wonderful school came to be.

1966: Butlers Court School Opens

Butlers Court Primary School, as we know it, The front cover to the
opened on 12th January 1966 on the site of programme for the opening of
Butlers Court Farm with Mr Vincent as Butlers Court School
Headteacher. It was built to serve the
growing population in Beaconsfield, as
children were then travelling to St Mary &
All Saints and Holtspur Schools. Its
neighbour, Beaconsfield High School, was
opened in the same year and many original
pupils recount that lessons were first taught
in Beaconsfield High School, as Butlers Court
was not ready on time. They also recall the
old farm building that was situated at the
Wattleton Road entrance and is now
housing, although the duck pond remains.

Suzanne Aslett (nee Prichard), a pupil from 1966, recalls:
“The farmhouse was an old, low, red/orange brick building with old-
fashioned tiles. I seem to remember it being single storey. It faced the
road that leads into the school from Wattleton Road. Small trees lined that
road, separating it from the farmyard in front of the farmhouse. There
were no houses on the other side of the road stretching all the way to the
old house at the entrance to Wattleton Road (which was 'the orphanage');
it was a field where the farmer, Mr Grimsdell's, cows grazed.

There were chickens and guinea fowl in the farmyard which was just earth
(no tarmac or hardcore). From the school site, you could hear the cockerel
crowing frequently. One day, on the way home from school, Mr Grimsdell
allowed me and my friend to see the baby guinea pigs.”

In February 1975, the Primary School was divided into a First and Middle
School with Mrs Perkins appointed as the Headteacher of the First School
and Mr Vincent continuing as the Headteacher of the Middle School.

Coverage of the
opening ceremony
in the Bucks Free
Press from January
1966

The original school register A picture from the opening ceremony
programme showing the original school

A picture from 1967 of one
of the original teachers, Mrs
Chadwick, and her leavers
group. She was recounted
as a strict but inspiring
teacher and her son, Julian,
was also a pupil at the
school

Some of the inside pages from the Butlers Court School opening programme

The First Headteacher

For Bertrand Vincent, our first Headteacher (1966 Mr Vincent, the
-83), Butlers Court was very much a family affair, Headteacher
with his wife Reva working alongside him as
secretary in the school office. Living at 23 Baring
Road, the Vincent family were very much a part of
our local community, and familiar faces around
the town. Our alumni remember the Headteacher
as "a kindly man, always a smile" (Simon
Hargreaves, 1967) and “a very kind man... very
empathetic" (Stuart Irvine, 1966).

Mr Vincent's son John attended the school from 1967-75, where he was
taught by Mrs Chadwick. He still keeps in touch with some of the friends
he made here. John went on to marry another Butlers Court pupil, Kay
Hallam of Caledon Road. They still visit Beaconsfield from time to time,
and keep in touch with their old school friends.

Jonathan Planner (1966) recalls: “Not long after I arrived at Butlers Court
aged nine, I was sent, with two friends, to stand outside Mr Vincent's
office by my teacher, for running on the grass… I was terrified! I was all
for running home… just then Mr Vincent came out, he looked at us for a
moment and then asked what we were doing there? We told him Mrs
Chadwick had sent us, and I could tell he was holding back a smile… then
very softly he said “Right, don’t do it again fellas”, and that was that. A
couple of years later I became friends with [his son] John Vincent, and it
was always rather odd going to his [the Headteacher's] house, but

thankfully Mr and Mrs Vincent turned out to be

just as friendly when you weren’t in uniform!”

Mr Vincent retired from Butlers Court to live in
Cromer, Norfolk, where he and his wife still live
today, at the ripe old age of 92. Their son John let
us know they are pleased that they are still being
remembered fondly by the school today.

Mrs Vincent

1980 Protest recounts: “My dad was one of the
30 parents who marched to London
In 1980, a fall in pupil numbers in 1980 to save the school. They
across Bucks led to the proposed started at 3.45am and walked 30
closure of Butlers Court First miles to the Department of
School, to make the Middle School Education on the Southbank to
into a Combined School. Despite a petition the Education Secretary.”
strong ‘Parents Action Group’ and
demonstration march from The protest march, 17th July 1980
Beaconsfield to London, the First
School site was closed in 1981.
This led to the loss of the
Headteacher, Mrs Perkins. Zoe
Beecroft, a pupil at the time,

Butlers Court First School 1977/8

Almost an entire page of the Buckinghamshire Advertiser was given to mark the
school’s closure

Mr Vincent at his leaving party talking to Mr Astbury Mr Vincent

Mr Vincent hands over to

Mr Astbury

In 1982, after 16 years as Headteacher of Butlers Court, Mr Vincent retired
and handed over the running of the school to Mr Astbury. Mr Astbury had
previously been trained and taught at his first school in the West Midlands
before moving to the Bahamas to teach for ten years. Mr Astbury would
go on to lead the school for a further 27 years, overseeing the school’s
expansion to a two form entry and the building of new classrooms and ICT
suites.

Mr Vincent’s leaving party

Mr Astbury

The school photograph taken to mark the school’s 25th year in 1991

School Mugs marking the 25th anniversary
were given to all the pupils.
Anniversaries

Under Mr Astbury the school celebrated
both its silver (25th) and its ruby (40th)
anniversaries.

A mural made to commemorate the 40th anniversary is displayed in the Bucks Free
Press

© Bucks Free Press On 15th July 2009, pupils arrived
with plates of homemade cakes
for a mammoth street party to © Get Bucks
mark the retirement of 63 year
old Mr Astbury, at the end of his
40 year teaching career. There
was a school orchestra concert
as part of the farewell. Aaron
Rozanski, a Year 5 pupil and
National Youth Orchestra violinist, got a standing ovation for his
performance of the ‘bird movement’ from Vivaldi’s Concerto in A Minor.
After the final goodbyes there was one more tribute to the dedication of
one of Buckinghamshire’s most highly regarded teachers – Mr Astbury
and his wife had tea with the Queen at her Royal Garden Party at
Buckingham Palace. He said, “I’ve always said choose the job you love
and you won’t have to work another day. I couldn’t have chosen a more
rewarding career… now I’ve had 27 wonderful years at Butlers Court. I
couldn’t have wished for anything more.”

Mr Astbury hands over to

Mrs Marshall

Mrs Marshall applied for the
headship at Butlers Court because
the advert 'stood out' in the press as
having the same ethos of extra-
curricular activities and a wide
curriculum as her previous school,
Norwood Green Primary in Southall,
where she was Deputy Headteacher.
Originally from Carlisle, she attained
a degree in Theatre Studies and went on to become a Careers Officer,
before retraining as a teacher when her own children went to school. On
joining the school, she was keen to continue the strong tradition of music
and drama at the school and pledged to work hard to maintain the
school's high standards.

School Success

As Mrs Marshall proudly and rightly declares

on our website, "We are committed to

providing an extensive curriculum so that

every child maximises the opportunities for

success". Our three Headteachers have

presided over many successes and

achievements here at Butlers Court. These

have gained recognition not only for

individual pupils and staff, but for the school Our school was rated as one of ‘Six
itself, both locally and nationally. of the Best’ in The Daily Telegraph

One family famously educated here were the Dewars of Grove House on
Grove Road, who sent all ten of their children to Butlers Court. Each, with
the help of this school, passed their 11 Plus and went on to University,

seven of them to the University of
Southampton. This unparalleled academic
success caught the attention of the whole
country and was even written about in the
Daily Telegraph. Four of the children went
on to become doctors, two have enjoyed
corporate success and two are teachers.
Their mother and former Mayor of
Beaconsfield, Margaret, told the Daily Telegraph that their excellence was
due to "the unlimited encouragement" they received both at home and at
Butlers Court School. Something that Mr Vincent, Mr Astbury and now Mrs
Marshall have given and still do give to each and every one of our pupils.

The legacy created by Mr Vincent and Mr Astbury now rests in the secure
hands of our current Headteacher Mrs Marshall, who promotes two
overriding principles throughout the school:
* Good manners, showing a respectful, caring attitude for others
* Achievement of the highest possible standards of work and behaviour

50 years after Mr Vincent correctly claimed "You'll be hearing great things
about Butlers Court", with these values in place, we can look forward to
even more great things to come.

Development of the School Site

The opening ceremony programme from 12th January 1966 offers a
description of the school.

A page from the Butlers Court School opening programme
describing the school site

The site occupied by Butlers Court School for the last 50 years has
remained very much the same. However, many changes have happened
on the site over this time. During periods of reducing pupil numbers in
the early 1980s the Junior School, located at the Wattleton Road
entrance, was closed. Since then, however, the changes have all been
made to accommodate increasing pupil numbers, adding classrooms, and
also to ensure the school has the latest resources for a wide spectrum of
enrichment activities.

The old school swimming pool (left) is
a strong memory many of the old
pupils recount and current pupils
would love to have now! Sheila Churn
(nee Johnson), a pupil from the original
1966 year group, recalls: “I was excited
to find a pool at Butlers Court Primary
School. To obtain a Beginner's
Swimming Certificate you had to
be able to swim ten yards and there were very few of us who were able to
swim that far. I still have a love of swimming today. When my children
were small I became a fully qualified Level 2 swimming instructor and I still
teach today... so you never know when you will use something that you
learnt at primary school!!"

Mr Astbury summarised the changes to
the school site in his diary as follows:
“Great improvements to the facilities
have taken place with the addition of a
new Y3 block (right) to replace aged
terrapins, two new Y1 classrooms and a
purpose built Reception classroom and
outdoor learning area. Computer Room,

Pavilion, Hall storage, additional playground and activity area for KS1 have
all improved the facilities. Improvements to the Art and Craft room with a
Cooking/Kitchen area have enhanced curriculum provision. A new Admin
Block and Entrance Foyer with a greatly improved staffroom have provided
much better facilities for staff and visitors.”

One of the most recent additions, the The school site is still growing. In 2016,
Art room, opened in 2014 with PTA the school now accommodates 428
funding pupils across seven years and 14
classes. Many of the original buildings
remain intact and looking just as they
did years ago, such as the Hall.
However, the infrastructure has grown
significantly over the years to
accommodate Music, Art and
Computer rooms and a recently added
astro-turf pitch.

The school had a chess team for many
years; this picture shows the 1972
Butlers Court winning chess team

Achievements British Trades Alphabet (BTA) Awards:
In 1985, pupil Catherine Meaden won a
Butlers Court can be proud to have National BTA award, presented to her on
fostered a wide spectrum of talents the school site by Angela Rippon
and passions with its pupils.

In 1986, 11 year old BTA prize
winner Anton Machacek used his
prize money to buy the racing bike
he had always wanted

Success in writing:
In 2004, Ursula Grover wrote a letter to ‘The Person That Invented Rhubarb
Crumble’, securing her win for her age group in the National Royal Mail’s Letter
Writer competition

© 2015 Jaguar Maths in Motion Challenge for Schools

Success in maths:
In 2015, Butlers Court’s Year 6 team
were crowned World Champions in the
Jaguar Maths In Motion challenge. The
challenge involved setting up a virtual
racing car to compete in a race around
the Kyalami circuit in South Africa and
used maths expertise to measure the
length of the track, the angles of the
bends, as well as fuel load, tyres and
speeds. The data was then entered into
a computer simulation and tested, giving
a chance to fine tune before challengers
eventually race against each other. The
challenge was participated in by 100,000
pupils, with students from 11 countries
taking part in the finals.

Success in sport:
Steve Doyle, pictured here, was a
pupil from the 1990s. He recalls:
“This is a picture of me and Ian
Botham when our Butlers Court team
represented the school at cricket as
South East England champions in the
Wrigley's tournament. It has pride of
place in my living room.”

Pupils celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee in 1977 Commemorative mugs were
with a tea party on the playground handed out at a party to
celebrate the wedding of
Royal Celebrations
Charles and Diana in 1981
The Butlers Court staff, pupils and parents
have always enjoyed bringing out the
bunting for a royal occasion.

2002 saw the opportunity for another
tea party to celebrate the Queen’s
Golden Jubilee

More recently, in 2012, the school threw a street party to celebrate the Queen’s
Diamond Jubilee. Class 2NK (above right) won the fancy dress competition and a
chance to go and try out their cookery skills at Sainsbury’s bakery

Our 50th anniversary isn't the only time
we have sought to record our history.
Here we see our 1993 cohort with the
time capsule they placed in The White
Hart. It included photos of what
Beaconsfield looked like at the time, for
a future generation to discover

Butlers Court in All the children greatly enjoy the
Harvest Festival ceremony, especially
the Community the children of Year 3. Each year they
have the pleasure of delivering
In this our 50th year, we are rightly harvest baskets to the elderly and
celebrating our school's history needy of our community
and its role at the heart of our
community. The generous children
of our school and their families
have supported many charities,
local, national and international.

Children singing to the elderly in 1994: Each year our Year 6 pupils decorate
Christmas sees our young people getting lanterns and join with our neighbour
to know our local senior citizens who are schools to brave the winter weather
invited to the Christmas play. Our pupils at the ‘Festival of Lights’, the local
return the visit, singing carols at various Beaconsfield community parade
senior living residences in town organised by the Rotary Club

School Trips

Talking to old and current pupils alike, school trips are often the most
memorable aspect of their time at the school.

Peter Hollingsworth’s
certificate from the cruise

The SS Devonia Looking back to the 1960s, school trips were a
thing of legend. Peter Hollingsworth, a pupil
from the original year group, has shared with
us his pictures of a cruise on the SS Devonia
from 1967. It was the first time he had ever
travelled abroad, visiting Norway, Denmark
and Holland.

There were also trips slightly Many returning pupils from the 1980s told us
closer to home, such as this of their trips to France. Pictured here are a
one to the Tower of London group of pupils from 1985 on a ski trip to
in 1969 Chatel

Mr Sutton is about to get very wet at Longridge The Leap of Faith at Longridge
in 1995
The school continues to
Shelter building at Shortenills in 2004 take pupils to France, as
well as the much enjoyed
and anticipated trips to
Shortenills and Longridge.
From hundreds of trips,
here are a selection of
photos. Just imagine the
stories that these pupils will
tell of their school trips
when they come back to
the school in another 50
years!

The French trip in Year 6

Many of our former pupils have happy Many pupils past and present first
memories of lessons with Mrs Sheila developed a love of music through their
Anderson, a former parent and music lessons here at Butlers Court. Here the
teacher here at the school. Mrs school orchestra and choir perform
Anderson kindly supplied this photo of together
the school choir from the 1960s

Performances

Butlers Court School has always encouraged children academically, but
also in performing arts. Some children even got their 15 minutes of fame
on TV when Noel Edmonds House Party was filmed at the school in 1998!

We celebrate our 50th birthday as the The 2015 Year 6 production,
Queen celebrates her 90th. In this “Shakespeare Rocks”: it is always a bitter
photo, Butlers Court celebrates the sweet moment when our Year 6 leavers
Queen's Silver Jubilee take part in their last ever performance
at Butlers Court. Each and every one of
you over these 50 years is part of our
school's story

The most important
performance each
year is the Christmas
Play. This 1968
Nativity was
reported in the local
press

The Year 6 Christmas
play in 1983

The country dancing still
enjoyed at our Summer Fair
has a long tradition at the
school

Alumni Visits

The grateful families of Butlers Court have always been actively involved in
our school. In this our 50th year, the PTA, Ball Committee, Events Team,
and Alumni Team along with a host of others have worked alongside our
superb teachers and staff to celebrate our school and its history. For two
weeks in May, the children enjoyed visits from our alumni who generously
gave their time to return to Butlers Court and bring that history to life.
They recounted their favourite school memories, explained what they have
gone on to do, and passed on their advice for the future to our current
cohort. Each had happy memories of their time here, and each felt that
Butlers Court helped them get where they wished to be in life. We are sure
this will prove true for all our pupils: past, present and future.

Peter Thornycroft, class of 1966, Computer Engineer
in San Francisco: Peter was a classmate of Julian
Chadwick and Peter Hollingsworth. Now living in San
Francisco, the distance hasn't stopped them remaining
friends, nor did it stop him "visiting" the current
pupils. Peter got up at 5am to Skype the children
during assembly and, not surprisingly, commented on
how technology has been the biggest change since his
school days. He got a huge wave from the children!

Chris Elder, 2000-2003, Professional Rugby Player:
Chris is yet another of our alumni with happy memories of
playing for Mr Sutton's (his favourite teacher) football
team. Chris credits his education at Butlers Court with
getting him into Grammar School, where he learned to play
rugby. He has gone on to play professionally for London
Welsh, what an inspiration to our current crop of sports
fans.

Suzanne Aslett (nee Prichard), 1966 -70, Teacher:
Another of our 1966 class with fond memories of
Mme Deal's French lessons and her school trip to
France. Their influence saw Suzanne become a
language teacher. Suzanne also fondly recalled Mrs
Fowler's delicious school meals, so tasty that the
pigs on the school farm rarely got any table scraps.

Chris Dunn, 1967, Bus Driver and Yvette Buckingham (nee
Dunn), 1979-85: Brother and sister Chris and Yvette
enlightened the children on the school's history, from the
farm that was on site, to the closure of the First School, to
changes in uniform. They commented that despite the
passing years, and the fact that there were electronic
whiteboards in the classrooms now rather than blackboards
and chalk, the school had stayed the same. Chris said “I have
lots of memories, and of course being my first school it
shaped the way I still look at the World”.

Milica Gay, 1982-84, O2 Project Manager and classmate Sarah
Mathews: These Butlers Court classmates are still best friends
and came back to the school together. Milica's favourite
memory of her time here was being the only girl in the
Dungeons and Dragons Club, she was still the only girl involved
in that pastime at University which is how she met her husband.

Richard Peterson, 1969-76, Personal Trainer: Like so many
others, loved sport while here at Butlers Court and said he felt
lucky to have access to so many sports during his time here.
This passion has never waned, and he has gone on to become a
personal trainer, helping film stars such as Benedict
Cumberbatch get fit for their starring roles.
"That all really came from the encouragement I got here. My
school days were probably the best days of my life."

Julian Chadwick, 1966, Barrister (son of teacher Mrs
Chadwick): We've had many families pass through the
doors of Butlers Court School. The first though to
arrive were a mother and son. Mrs Chadwick came
here as a teacher in 1966, and her son Julian started
at the same time. Lawyer Julian is still friends with
several of his old class mates, many of whom speak
affectionately of his mother as an inspiring teacher.

Steve Doyle, 1990-96, Sales Manager Arsenal FC:
"I remember doing that too", whispered Steve Doyle as Harry
Taylor read out the cricket report at the end of assembly. Like
so many of our pupils, the young Steve Doyle was sports mad.
He fondly remembers playing not only on the cricket team, but
the football team too. Little wonder then that he has gone on to
work for Arsenal FC. Ever the team player, Steve delighted the
children when he launched a competition to find the students
with the best "Team Spirit" at Butlers Court.

Sarah Doyle, 1986, Brand Director EAT and current
parent: After moving here from Carlisle (just like our
Headteacher Mrs Marshall), Sarah spent just one year
at Butlers Court, but it made a big impression. After
becoming a Mum, Sarah moved back to Beaconsfield
so she could send her own three children to the
school where she and her younger brother had been
so happy, and made so many friends.

Sheila Churn (nee Johnson), 1966, Swimming Teacher:
Sheila was one of our first pupils in 1966. Her happiest
memories are of swimming in the school pool, and
French lessons with Madame Deal. 50 years later those
passions first developed at Butlers Court still loom large,
as she studied languages at University and also became a
swimming instructor.

Peter Hollingsworth, 1966, Accountant: Peter came to
Butlers Court because his parents wanted him to be with
his excellent teacher, Mrs Chadwick. He was, and still is,
good friends with her son and fellow pupil Julian. Mrs
Chadwick started a chess club here at school, and Peter's
father came in to teach the game to the pupils. He
represented the school at a chess competition in
Liverpool and showed the children the certificate he won.

Tom Platt, 1990-96, Sony Music Exec: Another
former pupil of Mr Sutton's, Tom has gone on to
work for Sony Music. Year 6 were suitably
impressed by his “sizzle reel” showcasing some
of the World-famous artists he has worked
with.

Tanya Ces Maneiro (nee Baker), 1983-87, Career
Coach: Tanya shared many cherished mementoes from
her Butlers Court days. She told our pupils that their
time here would help them, as it did her, to become
happy, confident, well rounded people.
Most importantly they would make friends for life, as
illustrated by the fact that she was joined that day by
her old classmate and friend Captain Nick Morris.

Sam Buckles, 1982-88, Director of Property Company:
Sam's message to the kids was to try lots of different
things, find what you enjoy and then give it your
all. Polo player Sam, who also plays four brass
instruments, certainly opened their eyes to “different”
pastimes. The children clearly enjoyed forming a Butlers
Court Brass Band and watching Charlie ride his “pony”
Daniel.
Norman Joss, 1966, Barrister: Self-declared
“Naughtiest Boy at School” Norman delighted the
children with tales of mischief. Norman credits
Butlers Court and his teacher Mrs Chadwick for
taming his high spirits and now he is a respected
barrister. He still can cause a commotion, as he did
when he revved up one of the motorbikes he races
during assembly.

Judy King, 1966-71 and youngest sister Mandy
Claridge (nee Lucas), 1974-80: Judy was one of our
first class in 1966, and was followed by her sisters
Amanda and Diane. All loved sport here at Butlers
Court, with Judy playing for the school netball team,
a passion they have passed on to their own
daughters.

Nick Morris, 1983-87, Pilot: The happy chatter on
the playground turned to gasps of excitement
when pilot Nick Morris appeared in his full regalia.
Later, Nick stood on stage to tell the children how
happy he'd been at Butlers Court, and how lucky
they were to be at such an excellent school. We
couldn't agree more Sir!

John Wright, 1972-75, former Butlers Court Teacher:
Former Butlers Court teacher John echoed the
comments of so many others when he said that the one
thing that hasn't changed is how welcoming the school
feels. John still keeps in touch with some of his
colleagues from his time here, including First School
teacher Miss Grundy, whom so many former pupils
have cited as a big influence.

1967: Cycling proficiency 1987: Orchestra

School
Certificates

Alumni have shared their
memorabilia and awards from their
time at the school with us. Many of
them say that they still follow the
passions which they developed at
Butlers Court.

1966: Sports day

1968: Swimming 1967: Chess

As you can see, the uniform has changed many
times over the years. Girls had pleated skirts,
and boys had grey rather than blue jumpers.
There were even school felt caps, hats and
blazers. How very smart!

Some of the mementoes commemorated Memorabilia
important events in our school history,
such as its 25th anniversary Our alumni have been kind
enough to share not only their
memories, but also treasured
mementoes of their Butlers
Court days. Here is a selection
from the wide variety of items
which they brought in.

A lot of our alumni brought along the work they
produced during their time here

Tanya Baker's hand made Chris Dunn’s Milica Gay’s account of the
waistcoat from a school play News Book 1983 fancy dress contest

Messages from the Staff

“26 years at the school has provided me with a
rich store of happy memories of pupils, colleagues
and parents with numerous trips, productions and
sporting events to choose from. Having been at
the school so long I have seen many grow up from
toddlers and develop into fine young people,
some even returning as parents themselves. It
has been good this term to hear many of the stories of life after Butlers
Court from past pupils and appreciate that the school has played a part in
shaping their lives.” Mr Sutton

“I am incredibly proud to be a part of this amazing
school. So many fantastic memories - happy, moving,
funny and long lasting ones! A place of so many
friends, so much pride, enthusiasm, commitment and
full of desire to inspire a positive future for our
children.” Mrs Woodroffe

“One year there were too many Reception children for
one class, so Mrs Orford and myself were asked to set
up a classroom in the ‘old kitchen’. We were then
joined by Mrs Bertolone and even more children. We
had a small corridor next to the kitchen where we
used to take half the class. The heating system was
really loud so we had to decide if we wanted to be
warm or to be heard.” Mrs Cook

“Butlers Court School is special to me because it is a
really fun place to work. I love spending my days with
enthusiastic children and hard-working staff as well as
the many dedicated parents. Butlers Court is always
busy and exciting…it is always the end of the day
before I know it!” Miss Butterworth

Messages from the Staff

“I joined Butlers “I joined the
Court School in school three
January 2007 years ago and so
when Mr Astbury now my first Year
was Headteacher 2 class are in
and I have Year 5. Not much
enjoyed teaching has changed
in Year 5 and Year since I have been
6. During my time at the school, here although we have had a new
there have been many changes art room built, the staff room has
including a new Headteacher. I been modernised (we even have
have also seen the ICT suite beds should we wish to stay the
become the dining room, the night!) and we have lovely new wall
entrance hall become the library, bars in the hall. My favourite
the craft room become the ICT memories of Butlers Court are
suite and the construction of a taking Year 2 to Legoland, every year
new art room! Despite these getting soaked on all of the water
changes, key features of Butlers rides, and a not so nice memory of
Court remain the same: a fantastic having a spider crawling on me
team of committed staff and hard- whilst teaching a lesson!”
working, motivated and Mrs Cantwell-Wilkinson
enthusiastic children.”
Miss Doswell

“I joined Butlers Court School in 1999 and thoroughly
enjoyed my time as Assistant Headteacher. My
highlights include Butlers Court School gaining Beacon
status, becoming a Leading Literacy teacher and
involvement in research projects, including a trip to
Houston, USA. In 2009 I took maternity leave and had a
beautiful baby girl, returning to work on a part-time
basis in 2010, a role I still enjoy today. Working with many wonderful
colleagues and amazing children, in an inspiring environment, where
learning is cool and achievement is celebrated, is what I love and value
most about my 17 years at Butlers Court School.” Mrs Bertolone

Messages from the Staff

“Butlers Court School “I can honestly

gave me the say it's been a

opportunity to work privilege to work

with two very special at Butlers Court.

little girls on their Over the years,

journey through the biggest

Primary School. It has been a truly change has been

unforgettable experience and one the rapid

which I shall always treasure and for advances in technology which have

that I am forever grateful to made our lives easier and our

everyone at the school.” lessons more engaging. But the

Mrs Graham essence of the school has always

“The start of the remained the same and that's
Summer Term because of the people within it. I
1995 was the work with the most fantastic
colleagues who are also my friends,
start of my
Butlers Court the parents are caring and
supportive and the children make
career.
Butlers Court each day interesting, funny and
has changed a lot in so many ways amazing.” Mrs Lansdown

but not at all in others! Today there

are more classrooms, teachers and “A favourite
of course children. There are no memory is when
more cold swimming lessons in the Josh Lewsey,
outdoor pool, in its place there is a Wasps and
wonderful adventure playground. England rugby
The friendly, caring and happy player, opened
atmosphere is a constant, as are the pavilion. Also
the many opportunities, activities in 2004, when
and conscientious staff, but what Wasps became European
really makes Butlers Court is its Champions, the Heineken Cup was
wonderful CHILDREN. It has been brought into Butlers Court School. It
my pleasure to be a small part of a was surprisingly heavy!”
great school community.” Mrs Chapman
Mrs Clements

Messages from the Staff

“I joined Butlers Court School in February 2008 working in
Reception. It was a fantastic experience as I had mainly
worked in KS2 before and I also had the opportunity of
working with my sister, Miss Lazarou, who later became
Mrs Toms. Since then I have worked all over the school in
almost every year group. The children have all been
fantastic and made my time at the school thoroughly
enjoyable. After a few years moving around I moved to
work regularly in Reception and I love it. Every day is different and the
children have such enthusiasm for everything they do, it is amazing to be
with them. I have worked with so many fantastic staff and have made
wonderful memories. I will never forget the end of term sing-a-long and the
children all joining in with ‘Frozen,’ the volume and emotion was so moving.
I have loved all the performances, dressing up as superheroes, school trips
but most of all just being part of a wonderful community.” Mrs Bing

“I joined Butlers Court in 2010, when our current Year
6 children were in the Reception class. In my short time
(compared to some!) I have seen many positive changes
including the installation of the new exciting library, the
fully equipped ICT Suite, the bright modern Art Room, the
fabulous Dining Room and of course hot meals. I am so
very proud to be part of Butlers Court School both as a
member of staff and as a parent.” Mrs Fowler

“I never could have imagined when I started my teaching
career sixteen years ago that I would have been fortunate
enough to spend them all at Butlers Court School. This truly
is a wonderful school with so many memories - I particularly
remember the excitement of the 'new' Year 3 block and
Reception classrooms being built and the morning when an
RAF helicopter landed in the school field for the children to
look around. I feel privileged to have taught so many
wonderful children and worked alongside so many wonderful staff; every
day is a new adventure and I look forward to creating many more memories
at Butlers Court School.” Mrs Green

Messages from the Staff

“Rarely have I “In April 1993,
woken up not Charlotte, my
wanting to go to eldest, started in
work! Well- Mrs Luff’s
mannered and Reception class. In
hardworking those days there
children, were three intakes
amazingly skilled and dedicated per year: Sept, Jan and April.
colleagues, a stunning Catherine started in January 1995,
setting……what’s there not to like the only girl in a class of 11. This 2nd
about Butlers Court? Be it through Reception class resided in the original
cutting edge technology, site kitchen (now the new kitchen – the
development or extra-curricular rest of the dining room being the
opportunities, Butlers Court will computer area and library). Jack
always strive to provide its learners started Reception in Sept 2002 (now
with the very best opportunities to 2SCW’s class). All three of my
learn.” Mrs Mistry-Sharma children had the most wonderful
education at Butlers Court, with
“I have just realised inspiring teachers and a varied
that I have been curriculum, giving them an excellent
here since the last platform for their future education
century, not always and subsequent careers. I joined the
in Yellow Spot school as a Teaching Assistant in
though! Originally I January 2001 and have seen many
came to work at changes. The school has grown from
Butlers Court in Key Stage 1 with one class per year to the two form
many different teachers. Eventually entry we have now. New buildings:
I progressed to The Reading Room Year 1, Year 3, new Reception Unit,
which was very dark and dismal, Office area, Art Room. Mr Astbury,
so, with a coat of paint and new the previous Headteacher, was often
furniture, Yellow Spot was created. referred to as ‘Bob the Builder’. It has
I hope that it is now a bright and been and is still a pleasure to be part
friendly environment for both of Butlers Court School.” Mrs Strawa
children and parents.”
Mrs Freeman

Messages from the Staff

“I started working at Butlers Court in 1982 – where
have those 34 years gone! The school was much
smaller then, there was a dinner lady for every class.
Dinners were cooked in the school kitchen, everything
was homemade and delicious! The most notable
change I’ve found is how much more confident and
self-assured the children are, especially Reception, you
would spend lunch time with half a dozen children clinging on to you
crying for their Mums – some are now parents themselves and I’m dinner
lady to their children. I really enjoy my job and hope I can continue for
many years.” Mrs Day
“I started at Butlers Court School in 1988 as a Dinner
Supervisor. I transferred from Beaconsfield High School
to Butlers Court then as I did not agree with working at
the same school as my children. Paul, Mark and Nick all
attended Butlers Court from 1975 to 1988. I have seen
many changes in the years under Mr Astbury and Mrs
Marshall. I still enjoy looking after the children at lunch
times and the staff are very supportive.”
Mrs Williams

Mr Astbury’s diary, a final message on his last day as Headteacher

Mrs Green Giraffes

Reception had a fun two weeks making a big picture of
the Butlers Court crest with lots of coloured paper and
cotton wool balls. They added gold, to mark the Golden
Anniversary, and their hand prints to make it special to
them! They also wrote about what they like about the
school now. It was interesting to wonder if those things

Pandas Mrs Bing

might have been different for pupils 50 years ago.
The children thought about what life might have
been like in the 1960s, especially when they
dressed as characters from the 1960s for the
school party and when they designed their own
outfits based on clothing popular in those
times.

Miss Bassett 1KB

Year 1 had a lovely week celebrating the 50th
anniversary of Butlers Court. Apart from the fantastic
Mr Spellbinder show, the alumni assemblies and the
totally amazing party, the children thought about
Butlers Court as it is now. They took photos of the
school, like the library and the ICT suite, and made a
PowerPoint to remind children of the future what the
school was like in 2016.

1LB Mrs Luff

The children read The Sound Collector poem by Miss
Roger McGough and then walked around the Broderick
school listening to sounds they could hear.
They used these sounds to write their own
versions of the poem.

The Sound Collector by Zach Saunders
A stranger called this morning
Dressed all in black and grey
Put every sound into a bag
And carried them away…
The giggling of the children.
The zooming of the aeroplane.
The stomping of the feet.
The screeching of the door.
The buzzing of the bees.
The hammering of the builder.
The singing of Mr Spellbinder.
The whizzing of the wind.

Miss 2KB
Butterworth
2KB had a very busy two weeks celebrating the
50th anniversary of Butlers Court. They looked
at the key events that took place in the 1960s,
such as the Apollo 11 moon landing and
advances in science and technology. The
children loved finding out about school in the
1960s from Mrs Marshall and had great fun
deciding whether songs from the 1960s were a
‘hit’, ‘miss’ or ‘maybe’! The 50th anniversary
children’s party in the marquee was a highlight
as it was so beautifully decorated and the
children loved dressing up in their 1960s
costumes. The class embraced ‘Flower Power’
by planting colourful tubs in their outside area
and enjoyed creating brightly coloured Andy
Warhol-inspired self-portraits.

Darcey Williams Beth Bocquet

2SCW

2SCW learnt about important events of the

1960s, including the invention of the ring pull

on aluminium cans, England's 1966 world cup

victory, The Beatles’ first song release, John F Mrs Cantwell-
Kennedy's assassination and the Vietnam war. Wilkinson
The children were introduced to the music of

the 1960’s and played ‘Hit, Miss or Maybe?’ They listened to songs

and decided what they thought of them – the most popular was

the Beatles!

They looked at Pop Art and created their own versions using a
chosen object. In English the children learnt about the mystery of
the stolen 1966 world cup and Pickles the dog; they then wrote
newspaper articles about this exciting incident.

To find out what it was like to attend school in the 1960s, they had
a visit from Mrs Marshall who spoke to them about what it was
like for her to go to school in 1966. The children asked her
questions, and were particularly interested when she told them all
about the cane!

2SCW with Peter Hollingsworth

Mrs 3JW
Woodroffe
Year 3 wanted to provide the children with a
memento of the experiences they have had
celebrating the school’s special anniversary.
Something which, in ten or even 20 years’
time, they could bring back to show and say
‘these are the things I did when I celebrated
the school’s 50th anniversary.’

Zoe Melville-Smith

Senan Conway Year 3 memento booklets

3MSC

Each memento booklet includes: Mrs Mistry-Sharma

• A special introduction about the Mrs Cook
celebrations
• Letters written to a teacher from the past “As soon as I took my first
• Recounts of the children’s party and glimpse of the set up my
assembly experience mind exploded. There were
• A diary of Neil Armstrong’s moon landing golden chairs and golden
• A fact file comparing life in 1966 and 2016 table cloth. The food looked
• Calculations of the total ‘50’ using all four delicious.” Daniel Mansfield
mathematical operations describing the marquee
• 50 words to describe Butlers Court

In addition to this, the children
investigated the local area using OS maps
and listened to music from over the past
50 years. It was a jam packed fortnight in
Year 3!

Thomas Ainger

Mrs Digby 4CD

Year 4 enjoyed meeting three ex-pupils who came
into the classroom to talk about their time at
Butlers Court and what they’ve done since then.
The children prepared questions to ask them, and
were very interested in hearing all about how
things have changed over the years. For their
weekly spelling sentence challenge, the children
wrote all their sentences about the 1960s!

Year 4 created
news reports on
historical events

4LL

The children enjoyed the amazing 50th anniversary Mrs
party in the marquee on the field. 4LL wrote Lansdown
individual thank you letters to the PTA afterwards.
These were made into a booklet to be kept for the
future. The children also spent a week working on
a literacy/ICT project. They worked in pairs on the
iPads to research a famous celebrity from the
1960s, e.g. JFK, Neil Armstrong, Bobby Moore etc,
and then turned their notes into a news script and
practised presenting it. When they were ready,
they filmed and edited it on iMovie adding music
and titles. To listen to the 1960s News Broadcasts
go to http://butlersfm.com/ and click on Year 4.
How technology has changed in the last 50 years!

Year 4 created Two of the beautiful
news reports on thank you letters which
historical events 4LL sent to the PTA

Miss Ingham 5AI

Year 5 looked at a range of topics to do with the
1960s. They started off by listening to some music
and to see if they recognised any of it and where it
was from – they spotted ‘I’m a Believer’ by The
Monkees in the film Shrek. They then moved on to
looking at styles of art: Pop to Minimalist and optical
illusions. The children really enjoyed trying out the
different techniques.

5AI with Milica Gay and Sarah Mathews

5PR Mr Reynolds

The children were quite shocked when they
discussed the changes in technology and how
quickly things have progressed since they were
born. They also enjoyed looking at the different
television programmes and toys, seeing those
that have stood the test of time.

5PR’s fabulous artwork
exploring different
styles

6LD & 6PS

Miss Doswell Over the two week 50th anniversary curriculum, the
Mr Sutton children in Year 6 carried out group research projects
to find out how life has changed through the decades
since Butlers Court opened. They worked

collaboratively to
produce a display about
a particular aspect of
life. The children also
learnt some 1960s
dance moves and
performed these in
their Creative Arts
Assembly.

6PS with Richard Peterson

“This year the Year 6 after school
art club has created these life sized
children to represent the changes
from 1966 to 2016. It has been all
their idea from the beginning and
they have learned a great deal
about making a sculpture starting
with the planning through to the
final execution of ideas, how to use
different materials, what works and
doesn’t work when trying to secure
body parts(!) and of course the final
details. They have used recycled
plastic bags, newspapers and
cardboard, balloons, chicken wire,
fine wire mesh, and of course a few
pairs of tights! We hope you like
them.”
Mrs Habgood

The Year 6 classes researched different
aspects of history over the past 50 years
and presented their work in these
fantastic displays