Aa an honorary Old Brightonian he writes:
"My father, Michael Thornburgh ("Spike") was a master and later Deputy Headmaster (Maintenance) at the Junior School from the early 1950's to the mid-1980's. On two occasions, when my own term dates at Brighton, Hove & Sussex Grammar did not coincide with the College dates, and my mother was in hospital, I became a day pupil for a week. So my enrolment was only temporary. However, in the late 1970's I worked for a fortnight as a relief Caretaker for the Junior School, and was told that the toilets had never been so clean! Some claim to fame! I was baptised in the College Chapel and learnt to swim in the old baths. On Saturday afternoons when my father was on duty with the boarders he would show films, and I saw several great movies in the old building. I got to know the then Headmaster, Stan Bayliss-Smith, quite well, and whenever I went into the school to see my father was always welcomed by him and even invited at times into his study. The long-time master, Philip Burstow, was my god-father, and I have some of his notes on the College history as well as some personal items. So my ties with the Junior School remain strong, even though I may not have the academic contact.
On a further memorabilia note, I have in my possession the brass front-door handle from the old Durnford House in Belle Vue Gardens, and as well as the brass front-door handle from the old Junior School, I also have a piece of the diamond-shaped coloured glass that was in the front door. I also have the brass bell from the old Junior School that used to hang in the ground floor corridor. There is also an old plate displaying the College crest which came from the Senior School dining room that was destroyed by fire. I enjoy having these things but at some point, if the College archives would care to have them, they ought to come back to you."
If you have any photographs or indeed memorabilia (we particularly like the door handle from Durnford being so treasured) please do contact us on ob@oldbrightonians.com.