The opportunity to visit the school for the last time was too good to be missed, the sale was for conversion to a home so it is possible much of the fabric of the building will change during restoration. Nonetheless I had mixed feelings as I walked through the door I had not walked through for 35 years.
“Good morning Mrs Roberson, Good Morning Mrs Saunders, Good Morning Mrs Bishop”
Those words rang out in my head as I entered the school - we used to chant that every day during assembly...generally followed by a times-table. Modern learning it was not, but it suited us.
Assembly hall, and Mrs Saunders' classroom
Of course, some things had changed. I distinctly remember there being a stage somewhere in Mrs Saunder's classroom (and a place where the school dinner was served). Since closing as a school the building has been used (and owned) by the church. There were fewer signs of the old school days that I would have hoped...and a lot of signs of use by the church.
Improving material for all ages
Pianoforte
No worries
Mrs Bishop's classroom has been turned into a kitchen...with enough space for table tennis. There was also other signs of the building still having been used for play as well as learning. Playtime was a huge and important part of my school life. Games were invented (Jailbreak) camps conquered (Top Camp...strictly boys only) and friendships made, broken and re-made.
...that carpet though!
I don't remember either game being available when I was at school
Pink perforated ping-pong ball
Some of the fabric of the old school remained...
The main door
Between Mrs Bishop's and Mrs Saunder's
Gotta keep those doors firmly shut
...and the ubiquitous orange chairs (MUCH smaller than I remember though).
Tables with friends
Stacks
Solo
Mrs Roberson's class seemed to have become the place to lounge...very different to school. I spent a lot of time doing lines in her class, I was perhaps not the best behaved child (a joy to teach though I am sure).
Mrs Roberson's classroom
Blackboard becomes poster board
Mrs Roberson's office, now storage
I also ventured, very briefly, into the attached house. When I was at school, this was the domain of Mrs Holmes, the caretaker, and strictly out of bounds. I didn't stay long...it felt very alien to me.
Within Mrs Holmes' domain
Finally venturing outside, I went around the back and to what was once part of the playing field (I remember there being swings). The outside toilet block seemed to have gone (apparently I played "Toilet games" on my first day) - probably not a bad thing. Clearly the building is in a state of disrepair...the new owners will have a project on their hands for sure.
Ghost target
Mrs Roberson's classroom
Back door, and girls toilets
I think I enjoyed going back to school...I'm not sure I would want to see the place after it has been restored as the character and memories will likely be erased. I should thank the current key holder for allowing me access - and of course my teachers and peers. This school will always be part of me, and I am always going to be grateful for the time I spent here...thank you.
Thanks
All images are digital - I have some pinholes to follow - most super high ISO (and blurry).