Michael Chambers of Diss in Norfolk would love to hear from anyone who went to Mount Pleasant Preparatory School in Dalmeny Road, Southbourne.

The school was founded by Mr St. Quentin Jones in 1891 in premises that later became the Continental Hotel.

In 1904 Mr Jones died and was succeeded by Mr G.E. Holme, who built the school in Dalmeny Road three years later, which was then enlarged after the Great War.

Pupil numbers increased to more than 50, and there was a good record of scholarship success. But after the industrial slump, numbers dropped, and Mr Holmes retired in 1935.

Starting with five of the boarders and 12 day boys, Mr H. C Dudley took over, and in three years brought the numbers up to 50 again. By 1947 there were 75 pupils and the school was further extended. In the same year five-week trips to the French Alps were introduced and the school was noted for its athletics.

Michael was a boarder at Mount Pleasant from 1946 until 1952.

He said the other masters at the school were Mr Wiley, Mr Osbourne, Mr Watmough and Mr Paget and remembers some of the boys’ names being Tinkler, Connely, Rees, Hulme, Lucas and Horne, who lived in New Milton.

Mr Dudley remained the head until June 1965 when rising costs forced the school to close. The land was sold for redevelopment.

Contact Michael at michael.chambers6@virginmedia.com or Echoes.