SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Does anyone remember Armley National School on Chapel Lane ?now long demolished.I went there and am pictured on the school football side of 1947.we played in amber and black half shirts and well remember walking down Hall Lane to play a match against Green Lane School. (There is a picture of this school on the site)I have a picture of the wall at the back of Armley National school the top stone is "U"shaped where we used to clamber over it to get on to Wesley Road via Back Wesley Road. The Headmaster was a chap named Harry Keighley (or Keely) he used to tweek your ear quite hard if you did not pay attention.I also remember in 1950 the first Indian pupil coming to school in a Turban Never seen anything like it! The whole school being assembled in the playground and this boy stood on a milkcrate in the middle of us The picture appeared on the front page of The Yorkshire Evening News.How things have Changed!!

My mother attended this school. Alan Bennett did as well, I believe.

I'm quite sure me mam went there too. I'll ask her when she's back from her jollidays in Spain. Her name then was Jean Whittaker.

Chrism wrote: I'm quite sure me mam went there too. I'll ask her when she's back from her jollidays in Spain. Her name then was Jean Whittaker. My mother's name was Betty Dodds.

I have since located the original School Football photograph taken in 1947 and can conconfirm that there are 12 boys picturedJeff Skinner,Unknown,Robert Kearsley ( Emigrated to Australia)Bullock?Unknown,Unknown. Finnigan,Terry Denison,Unknown,Paul Cook (deceased)Unknown (He came to the school from Blackpol)David Postill

Another name I have just recalledRudkin..He is also on the picture. sorry cannot recall his christian name..

Lyndoch, We must have been schoolmates, I went to the School 1941 untill leaving at 15 in 1950, I never did play in the school teams, we couldn't afford the gear. lol. I lived in the end house opposite the bottom gates. Sadly I remember very few names, Neave Pexton was a mate of mine, one of the few names I do remember and I am still in touch with. Many of the children I knew in the streets went to other schools. We never did get to mix with the girls school did we, kept well appart I think. lol.Yes, Mr Keighley was a great headmaster, a gentleman and artist too. I spent my last years in Mr Wilkinsons class as I expect you did. NO, I think Alan Bennet attended Christ Church School, with Barbara Taylor (Bradford). I too remember the Indian, wore a turban that some used to knock off, a nice lad.    

Neave Pexton lived I think on Brooklyn Avenue, he became a painter & Decorator, I lived on Nancroft Mount, and left that school in 1951time plays havoc with your memories but the lad with the turban as you so rightly say, seemed a good lad ...Harry Keighley was indeed a true gent he lived opposite Christ Churchand used to see him on Wortlet Rec where I played football He still tweaked my ear!Thanks for your reply.. I am now resident in Lyndoch South Australianot too far from Adelaide the State Capitol we are having a very hot summer here Thanks for your interest

Lyndoch,             Check my profile for email if you would like to communicate. I have fond memories of Armley Nat. Yes Neave did indeed live where you say and did become a painter and decorator, eventually having his own firm but retired now of course.I feel I should know you if you lived on Nancroft Mount, an email with name might jog the old memory.

I have just found this site and thought I'd add my bit on the National school. My mother went to the school in the late 30's/ early 40's, she sat next to Barbara Taylor-Bradford, whom she says left to go to a private school as she couldn't pass the exam for the public Grammar school. I know it's from another thread, but she went on to work in the offices at Blakeys iron foundry.