I have just come across this thread whilst researching Palingswick House so am adding a few somewhat late thoughts that may trigger more memories for some.
My name is Julian Niemeyer and my father was Warden at PH from 1965 to 1970 before moving to a school in Suffolk. My parents did keep in touch with various staff and pupils - so I will share what I know.
My father is 83 and living in France. My mother died 7 years ago. Tony Cordani lived with his mother in Wales and died in his 80s about 12 years ago. Marion Gibb (a matron) went back to Scotland. Peggy Martin, who worked in PH office, left after my parents and then worked with them in Suffolk before retiring to Cornwall where she died this September. Her husband Reggie who worked as part-time handyman / projectionist is still alive - 101 or 102 now.
Other names I remember are Eileen Harris (a cook) who used to give me old pennies she got in her bus fare change; Sister Connors (or course!), Dr Stuart Carne. I remember a TV film crew recording an episode of something with Dr Carne at PH - with different pupils having to pretending to have different conditions - and everyone watching when it was screened to see who made it through to stardom (I didn't - apparently I was too preoccupied with my sister watching me undress).
Of the pupils, the person closes to me in age who I played with was Paul Oaten - I seem to recall once taking him to Paddington for a train to Cornwall - or at least the south west. Joey and Barnaby (?) were my sister's age. Everyone else I recall was older.
I remember Anton Vroom taking me to the ABC Cinema in King Street several weekends - and as I recall he used to go to "The Shed" at Chelsea - but I was never allowed.
Either Paul Gillingham (paulg in above posts?) or Kevin Gregory I remember at the BDA Camp at Blythburgh digging the latrine pits for the elsan chemical toilets - and one of them I recall was in a canoe on the River Blyth and capsized it with June Attle (who looked after me) in it. She is now retired, also in Suffolk and is widowed. The last I heard Peter Booley had retired from being Headmaster at a school in Halesworth. The camp at Witsun was fun - tents and caravans, visits to Suffolk Show, Beccles open-air swimming pool, Lowestoft Fish Market. And all in those BMC Mini-buses given by the Variety Club.
I remember my first tetanus vaccines - and I was given it at the same time as everyone else. I remember having seen the needles being scared and told to pull myself together as I only had to do it once whereas the pupils had to do it every day. I was full of admiration for those who had to inject. And as I recall those were large reuseable needles that had to be sterilised too - not modern fine needles. I still hate needles to this day!
The woodwork room was above a gym on Weltje Road. I never recall the gym being used - but Dad did the woodwork and I remember a Scalextric set in adjacent room.
I cannot remember who, but someone told me that Lord Weltje was bricked up in the cellars by the boiler room - and he now haunted the place. I was scared to go down there alone for months after. The name Kathleen Gallagher / Granagher rings a bell - I also seem to recall her being hit by a car in Weltje Road - sorry Kathleen if you are reading this and it wasn't you!!!!.
I did find a few photos and other memories when I cleared out my mother's house after she died. I have kept them - but in storage so not easily accessible (I am abroad) - but if anyone is interested, when I do find them I will post them somewhere. I am seeing June this weekend - and I know she has some photos of that era - so can scan them if anyone is interested - although not sure where to post them.
I will close now. Not sure what the rules here are about PMs - but I am registered on here with my proper FB / e-mail address so should receive messages.