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Former pupils of Norman Court are known as Old Northavians.
The Old Northavian Association has a large membership and always welcomes news from members. Old Northavians are always welcome to return to Norman Court for organised events or just to look around and reminisce.
To find out more please click here
A Month in the Country – Northaw 1962 remembered
By Paul Kleiman and Shirley Kleiman
In August 1962 Northaw School hosted the second ‘Finnesse' summer camp, inspired by the North American camp tradition. There were about 80 Jewish children and teenagers aged between 7 and 16. There was a group of supervisors, and the whole lot was organised by my parents and grandparents.
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I asked my mother to write something down about Northaw. This is some of what she wrote:
“When I went with my parents to see the school we were struck by the impressive building and lovely grounds and the beautiful countryside around. When I went a second time more practical matters took over such as organizing separate bedrooms for boys and girls – also separate bathrooms of which there were not too many! I remember the grand double staircase with the deer head on the walls which frightened our 4 year-old Michael. There was a big room we used which had big windows along one side with a wonderful view, and I always recall the uplifting feeling that gave to the Saturday morning Sabbath Service.
After the first two-week session we had the ‘last night concert' in the hall. The second ‘last night concert', at the end of August, was outside with a stage rigged up on the grass and the audience on the steps of the terrace.
One famously successful ‘activity' was the Mystery Ramble. The youngsters were blindfolded – driven around – let out – and had to find their way back to the school. My father went mad…and you certainly wouldn't get away with doing such a thing today!
The grounds were perfect for organised “Wide Games” after the sun went down. General mayhem as the various groups roamed around the grounds attempting to grab the flags of other groups and then trying to reach the house and not be caught. Again, my father not pleased!
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