A significant number of present pupils are sons or daughters of Springgrovians and so we remain a very happy family!

I have included here some of the 'Memories' of our most recent Prep 6, which this year contained children of exceptional ability and character - typical Springgrovians!

Memories

Alex Wanstall
Spring Grove: 2005 – 2011
To Junior King’s
My time at Spring Grove has gone so fast. My first year was Year 1 which I can hardly remember. On my first day I remember all sitting down in a circle talking about Wiliam’s red belt. Year 2 was when I played my first match and scoring the winning run. I loved feeding and watching the fish with Mrs de Giles. Year 3 went very fast with Mrs Russell and I enjoyed learning about the Antarctic most and having Mrs Russell’s husband come over to give us a demonstration. Year 4 was great fun with Mrs Rowe – the highlight was the Boulogne trip and looking at the animals at Nausicaa. We went to the market and I remember Oli Hutchison getting really excited about a BB gun. In Year 5 with miss Rogers I really enjoyed History but the best bit was the French trip. We made lots of videos which we called “life in the dorm” and all those fun activities we did. One of my favourite parts was going to Mont St Michel and going into the weapon shop. Year 6 has been my favourite year so far. Doing the 11+ at the beginning was the hardest test I have ever done. The best part was easily Wales and drinking all the Tango and playing slugs!

Alasdair Pilmore-Bedford
Spring Grove 2008 – 2011
To Barton Court
In Year 4 on my first day I was really lonely. I didn’t know anyone. At the end of the day Mr C gave me some bread to feed the ducks with Oli Langworthy. I soon got to know everyone. In Year 5 some boys left and I got to know everyone else even better and we all liked each other. Then we went on the French trip. We all had an amazing time and Oli and I ate all the bread at breakfast. In Year 6, the best year ever, everyone was fussing about the juice but everyone liked it later on. We loved the hot chocolate we got every Friday. The Wales trip was the best trip ever and my favourite activity was canoeing and kayaking. Spring Grove has been the best school so far.

Emilie Knights-Toomer, Sports Captain
Spring Grove 2007 – 2011
Sports Scholarship to Kent College
Before I joined Spring Grove I had a taster day and I remember that they did not have a seat for me so I had to share a seat with Holly. Then in Year 3 I started cross-country and I loved it! I remember Mrs Russell coming up to our classroom and singing and we all put our hands over our ears. Year 3 went so quickly and then we were u=in Year 4. Fitz and Kate joined as Gappies and I can never forget the time when Mrs Rowe walked into the room for the first time and she tripped over someone’s bag – that was funny! Mrs Rowe was so nice and kind and I had the best time. Then Year 5 came. The first time I walked into the classroom I swung my bag around and knocked over all the pencils. Emily S and Annabel joined prep 5 and so did Mrs Langford. Then Mrs Rowe left – it was good spirits and bad ones. Then we went to the Chateau and we had an amazing time. Prep 6 with Mr D is so funny when he sneezes. We went to Wales where it was so much fun. Hannah was the best instructor. I remember on the last day of Wales, Ales, Ellie and Becky came into lour dorm at 10:30 and they asked if they could sleep in our dorm because Emily wanted to get to sleep and they wanted to talk. On the last day I had about £7 - £8 left and I spent it all on sweets. Year 6 has gone so fast – it’s so sad!

Oliver Langworthy
Spring Grove 2008 – 2011
To Queen Elizabeth’s GS, Faversham
I remember on my taster day I was very scared but then Mr Jones took me to see the ducks. On my first day the first lesson was Science and I thought the science lab was really cool! I was also introduced to the dens around the field and will always remember the big stick fights we used to have. Over the next few weeks I started to get really excited about going to school. The best part of Year 4 was the Boulogne trip and I loved seeing the animals: my favourites were the penguins. Then came Year 5 and I was very excited about being Vice-Captain for the best House in the school: Chaucer! And Emily Stretton joined. One of our school trips was going on an environmental walk along the Stour and I was shocked when I found Mr Turner eating the doggy biscuits that we used to measure the water flow! At the end of the year we had the Chateau visit. The best moments were the games at the end of each day, Mont St Michel and the market trip. Finally my last year, prep 6. We all missed Ella and Mrs Rowe and we all had lots to talk about. Mr Dankert tried to scare us with his catch-phrase, “I don’t get mad, I get even!” Then it was the dreaded 11+ Test. Once that was over the wait began… At Christmas we went to the designer Outlet to sing carols. Then it was Wales and we knew that our time at Spring Grove was coming to an end but that didn’t stop us having a good time. After we got back we had Sports Day and the best House won! Then our final Camp Night which was great fun and it stayed dry. We did our fantastic prep 6 assembly and then we were into our final week and the show was in full swing. It went really well and I enjoyed myself. I would like to say thank you to Mr Curtis for getting me to enjoy science, Mr and Mrs Jones for helping me with my music and Mr Dankert and Miss Rogers for helping me through the 11+/. I have really enjoyed my time at Spring Grove and will miss everyone lots!

Alex Sharp
Spring Grove 2003 – 2011
Academic and Sports Scholarship to Ashford School
I can’t believe I’m finally leaving, finally here writing my memories. Well I better get started… I joined SG in Nursery with Mrs Forrest. I remember on my taster day, Evie showing me around the class room. “This is the sand-pit” she said and then she showed me how to play in it and how not to get all sandy. Then in Reception, I cut myself an interesting new fringe. You can imagine how it went: I was cutting around my picture when this piece of hair fell in my face. It was very annoying and I was armed with scissors so I just cut it off, problem solved! I also remember in Maths, Ellie was asked to count to 100. She stood up and began. We were still there half an hour later. It went a bit like: 55, 57, no, 55, 56, 60, no, umm, 57, 58, 59, 80, no, umm, 60… and on and on until amazingly she reached 100. Then Year 1. A boy named Alistair ran down the hallway and accidentally rammed his arm through the glass window. Jus after this, Ellie went to the loo. She came straight back and said, “There’s blood everywhere.” Suddenly everyone needed the loo. When I lost my rubber and there was a school search for it, Madeleine found it and received 10 stars. Now for Year 2. You know the two wooden frames on the field. Well, Ellie and I used to spend all beak on them. I always used to be jealous as she got to go on one side so I said gloatingly, “I don’t mind which side I go on because I’m obnoxious!” I meant “ambidextrous”! Now Year 3, the year Holly, Victoria and I used to spend the whole time playing family. Vic and I were the babies, Holly was mum. Also, the year Mrs Russell used to come up after assembly singing the hymn and we would hide under the desks and moan! On Ella’s birthday this year we decided to scare her. She was late so before she arrived we messed up the classroom and played dead. Even Mrs Russell joined in! At the beginning of Year 4 Mrs Rowe walked in…and fell over a brief case. We were all laughing, including her. What a great first impression. Every break, we used to go ghost hunting round the school. We found the art room was haunted, because it was always very cold and apparently the cupboard door used to open and close. Going to Boulogne, the journey with Daniel’s stinky feet in my face, Oli and Daniel were watching The Simpsons movie, repeating all the rude parts. In Year 5 on the first day I fell backwards on my chair just as Emily Stretton came in, she sighed and said despairingly, “Hello Alex”. She then offered me her hand. Also there was the Chateau which had some awesome memories including watching Mrs Parker and Miss rogers being chased down a hill by a goose. You should have seen their faces. And then finally Year 6. Mr Dankert said at the start, “At the beginning of Year 6 you’ll have a completely new slate to fill.” Well I’m pretty sure that I have filled that slate in every possible way. I’ve had a great time: like the time Ellie put the sour cream spoon back in her drink by accident. She was really worried but we couldn’t stop laughing. Then in Wales, Annabel’s spectacular face plant into the lake and the time we were all in the corridor when Emilie came with her arms, mouth and a bag full of Tango, Pepsis, Ginger ales, chocolates and sweets. We just stood there with our mouths open as she just strolled past and said, “Guys, I’ve spent all my money!” Thank you to all my form teachers, Mrs Forrest, Mrs Saxby, Mrs de Giles who was especially fun and supportive, Mrs Russell who was a fab teacher, Mrs Rowe who was so kind and funny, Miss Rogers who had a lovely smile which made you feel so happy and proud and finally Mr D who is so supportive, kind and understanding. Mrs Langford, for the amazing sports lessons and tireless organising of out-of-school sports, Mrs Rafferty for the great French lessons, Mrs Taylor for the fab art lessons and finally science and ICT from awesome Mr C. Thank you also to Mr and Mrs Jones for having so much enthusiasm.

Emily Stretton
Spring Grove 2009 – 2011
To Ashford School
Hi. My name is Emily and I only joined SG in Year 5, welcomed by Miss Rogers. It was a bit daunting, coming to a new school as it seemed so huge. But I was soon to find out what a great place it was, full of friendly, kind people. Mrs Pullen gave me a lovely welcome for the start of my taster day. As soon as I arrived in prep 4 for the day, I looked straight up to Mrs Rowe’s lovely smile who very quickly showed me who were to be my buddies for the day: Becky and Alex Sharp. This soon turned to one buddy as Alex had got distracted and disappeared, leaving Becky to look after me. On my first morning at SG, we were all sitting nice and quietly when Emilie came in, said “hi” to Alex, swung round and hit the pencils tub which went all over the floor. CHAOS! Later that year, we went on the French trip. I was really excited about it. The adventure began by getting on a coach and driving to Folkestone, the bus driver getting on the train with a few bumps and shunts. We entered France with a lot of cheering. 7 hours later we arrived and excitedly found our dorms and unpacked. The first activity was raft sailing. When we were walking down the hill to the pond we were being chased by a goose which is not easy when you are wearing a wet suit. Thank you to Miss Rogers for a lovely year in Prep 5 and for all the lovely memories throughout that year. In September w were now in Prep 6, greeted by Mr D and we soon got used to his homework. We had the 11+ coming up, we were all nervous with a new teacher watching over us. When the tests were over we had the reward of a trip to Port Lympne which was fun with a lot of funny photos. Later in the year we went to Wales. We were given our timetables for the week and the next morning Victoria had already learnt it off by heart. When we arrived, our first activity was the obstacle course. We had a lot of fun but it all ended too soon and then the journey back. We were quite glad to get off the mini bus because of Annabel’s shoulder, clip-clapping, Alex’s “yesses” and “nos” when she got on the next level on her game and lots of “are we there yets”! Thank you Ann for waking me up with breakfast, Mrs Groom and all the kitchen staff who looked after me a t lunch; Mr Turner for always supporting me in my efforts at trying out new sports and all the other sports staff who have encouraged me. To Mr C who has been wonderful, I shall miss playing in the stream. Thank you to all the staff for making me feel so welcome at this school. Also to Mr and Mrs Jones who make this school so lovely and homely, for making my brief time at SG a very good and special time. And finally to my classmates and their parents who have all been so very kind to me.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

Ellie Saxby
Spring Grove 2003 - 2011
To Benenden

Victoria Ayton
Spring Grove 2003 – 2011
Moving to Highworth

Holly Fielder, Captain of School
Spring Grove 2008 - 2011
Academic and Sports scholarship to Kent College

Annabel Parker
Spring Grove 2003 – 2011
To Wellesley House

Rebecca Blundell
Spring Grove 2008 – 2011
To Ashford School

William Moon
Spring Grove 2003 – 2011
to Ashford school

Name: Aimee Swayne
Year Left: 1982
Next School: St Teresas
History: I went to St Teresa's then onto St Anselms. From there I went to college and gained a Distinction in Business Studies. I am now a Compliance Officer for Saga. I belive that in the old photos published on here, I may have been in the picture with my brother Thomas Swayne. Also is the wooden play hut still standing? My dad help build this and I think we have some pictures of this!

Name: Matthew Robson
Year Left: 2008
Next School: Norton Knatchbull
History: well natch is no where near as good as this school. I miss most the games lessons and the field - they were excellent.

Name: Charlie Mather
Year Left: 2008
Next School: Ashford School
I miss S.G though but moving on was great! lOTS OF LOVE Charliee xxx
Email:charliemav3@hotmail.com

Name: Miles Read
Year Left: 2006
Next School: The Norton Knatchbull School
I have been learning new techs, a wide range of both art and language as well as some good varieties of Science and P.E. I have made some great new friends. I miss the school greatly even though i have been away for over three years.
Email: milesread@hotmail.co.uk

Name: Mrs Robertson
Year Left: 2007
Next School: Retired
Like most retired folk I've filled my time with all the things I didn't have time for when I was working. My beautiful granddaughter keps me occupied 2 days a week as Fiona, like most mums these days, has had to go back to work. Molly Mae is 8 months old and a complete joy. She is, of course the most beautiful and talented baby in the world (!) and I love spending time with her. On other days I'm involved in happenings in the village and I'm able to see more of my family in Portsmouth. I see Jill Russell, Ann Garrad, Carole Cooney, Bobby Bushnell, Colin Knowles and Anne Thomas whenever possible and always read the SG Messenger to keep up with events.
Email: jmaryrobertson@btinternet.com

Name: Gareth Smith
Year Left: 1990
Next School: St Edmunds School, Canterbury
When I left SG I decided to become a boarding pupil at St Edmunds in Canterbury which was a bit of a change but I feel it prepared me well for a life away from home at university. Studied for biology, chemistry, physics and maths A-levels and got accepted to Brunel University to read Mechnical Engineering on an unconditional offer (yes I turned down Cambridge!)
At Brunel I studied Mechanical Engineering with Automotive modules (no surprises there then) even though Brunel is best known for its Mechanical Engineering with Building Services. Ironically enough I never worked in the Automotive industry and now work in a Building Services company who specialises in IT systems critical cooling and infrastructure (basically the big data centres), they also do a lot of other supporting roles within Building Services (e.g. building maintenance). And what do I do in amongst all of this. I am responsible for all their Health and Safety reporting directly to the Directors.
Email: gareths998@gmail.com

Name: Claire Perry
Year Left: 2001
Next School: Dover College
After leaving Spring Grove i spent 7 years at Dover college studying for my GCSEs and then A levels. I have just started at the University of Chester, studying adult nursing. I loved my time at spring grove..the water fights, table tennis with Harry Owen and those sunday walks.
Email: claireperry07@hotmail.co.uk

Name: Niall Washington-Jones
Year Left: 1984-2003
Ad Alta Prae Clara: Always Do Your Best! Sincere best wishes to you all.
Email:niallw_j@hotmail.com

Name: Lucy Canney
Year Left: 1984
Next School: Ashford School/Kings Canterbury
I can't believe I left Spring Grove 24 years ago! I remember the day so clearly! In the time since then I spent 6 happy years at Ashford School, followed by 5 years at King's Canterbury and another 5 at Exeter University. I have finally moved back to the local area and now have a daughter who I would dearly love to go to Spring Grove. I wonder if the log cabin still exists? It was built while I was at the school, and we buried a time-capsule underneath it.

Name: Michael Chambers
Year Left: 2001
Next School: Towers School
The SpringGrovian Day was awesome caught up with a few people i hadn't spoke to.
Email:St4rscre4m@hotmail.co.uk

Name: Abdullah
Year Left: 2008
Next School: Kennington Junior School
Email:sar_157@yahoo.com

Name: Elizabeth Gillman
Next School: Friars School Ashford Girls
Travelling now and will attend uni next year to study dentistry!

Name: Amy Hollands
Year Left: 1996
Next School: Ashford Girls School
After finishing ashford, I went on to study Architecture at Oxford Brookes University, following the standard year our in industry I am back in university to complete the architecture course completing my post grad diploma, Part 2. Not long now and I will be the architect I have always wanted to be! 7 years in the making!
Email: hollands_amy@hotmail.com

Name: Olivia Morrissey
Year Left: 2006
Next School: Highworth Grammer
Hi everyone, hope you're all okay. x

Name: Max Nicholls
Year Left: 2005
Next School: Ashford School
Email: phiten_boy@hotmail.co.uk
I have carried on with my running and am now 7th in the UK

Name: Camilla Robbins
Year Left: 1990
Next School: Cobham Hall School
I stayed living and going to School in Kent before heading to college in London around 16. Ahhhh, life truly began! University in Oxford then followed before I worked as a bar mananger in Oxford and Bristol for 3 years. A job in the city in London then followed before I upped and left to live and study in Australia for 3 years where I studied and worked in Complimentary Healthcare. I'm now back in London and have my own business (Balance Bodyworks). Still feel as young and as silly as I did at SG and having just been to reunion and caught up with some old classmates I feel ever youthful! SG years were fantastic!

Name: Melissa Dokarry
Year Left: 1996
Next School: Highworth Grammar School for Girls
Since leaving Spring Grove, I did my A-levels at Highworth and went onto study Biochemistry at the University of East Anglia. I finished my degree in 2006 and am now living in Norwich and studying for my PhD which I hope to finish in 2010. As for what comes next....I haven't decided yet!

Name: James Michael Cuerden
Year Left: 2000
Next School: Oakwood Park Grammar School
Since i have left SG, i have been at Oakwood Park Grammar and have passed all of my GCSE's and am now taking A-levels. I have passed my driving test and learnt how to party. I hope to move on to the University of East London to study Music Industry Management with Business & Finance. Take care.

Name: Emily Wood
Year Left: 2005
Next School: St. Edmund's
Hey guys, wow, I'm having so much fun at school loads of homework but really doesn't bother me anymore the key is to keep up on top of it.

Name: Sarah Lathwell-Fisher
Year Left: 2000
Next School: Ashford Girls School
Moving on to begin a degree in English Literature...

Name: Adam Williams
Year Left: 2006
Next School: Bordon Grammar

Name: Lucie Alexander
Year Left: 2003
Next School: Royal Hospital School, Ipswich Suffolk
Email:gordonalexander@tiscali.co.uk
Continuing at school and working hard taking GCSE's at the moment. Royal Hospital School is a boarding school so I am really looking forward to seeing my friends from Spring Grove

Name: Rachael Collard
Year Left: 2001
Next School: Invicta Grammar (maidstone)
Hey everyone hope all is well at spring grove, I am now starting my GCSE's which sounds quites exciting!Hope everyone has a great christmas!lots of snow! love to you all! rachael c xXxXxXx

Name: Amy Whitehead
Year Left: 2004
Next School: Highworth Grammar
I have been at highworth for a year now and I am enjoying it so far! hope everyone is good at SG

Name: Alexis Holder
Year Left: 2004
Next School: Highworth Grammar, Wycombe High School
Hi everyone, school is great. I miss my mates because I am so far away but promise to come down and see you all. Bye x

Name: Max Foot
Year Left: 2005
Next School: Sutton Valence
Hi everyone.I am settling into sutton Valence well.I have to catch the school bus every day at 7:30 and it takes getting used to. I also get lots of homework too! Take care

Name: Alice Whitehead
Year Left: 2002
Next School: Highworth
I am in my fourth year at Highworth and have just started my GCSEs. I still come to Spring Grove sometimes because George (my brother) is there. Hope you are all well.

Name: Heather May
Year Left: 2005
Next School: Simon Langton
School is going really well and I have been getting lots of homework!!!!!! I visited Spring Grove the other day and it was nice to see everybody.