1970 School memories by Derek Walker

Derek Walker described Lacey Green School in a questionnaire at a school reunion organised by Lacey Green History Group

1964-1970 Derek Walker, Northlea, Lower Rd. LR. now Abingdon. Walked to school. Head Mr Anthony, Mr Keen, Miss Agnew, Mrs Stansfield, Miss Briggs. Threat of cane. No new build. School meals-yes. Enjoy-no. Milk-yes. played marbles.

Additional information.

My 1st day. I can still remember the frosted glass in the grey door that I pounded, screaming for my mum to come back.

Maybe it is that sort of bad start that made us all call Miss Briggs 'Miss Pigs'. Mind you she didn't endear herself to me by having a go at me for humming while reading a book.

Escape. I don't think it was long into my school career when I was found by the older Dells walking back home at lunchtime. My escape only got me as far as Wests' Farm.

The climbing frame was a cold metal frame with 2 stepped rails for swinging from. I can remember hanging upside-down from the middle one and spotting Mr Anthony coming out from a classroom. I soon realised that he was coming straight for me! I was taken into Mr Keen's class and told off for hanging from the middle frame because it would be dangerous if I fell. In those days there was just concrete under the climbing frame.

Sports Day. It would be my worst sporting moment that's the only one captured on film. We had a running race where Mr Anthony lined us up in 2 rows at the start. He told us that the smaller ones in the front would go 1st, and then we bigger ones at the back next. I thought we'd wait for the front row to get all the way to the finishing line before our row started. When I found myself alone at the start I realised I'd got it wrong....and had too much catching up to do to hope to get a placing.

Other memories aren't too good for fellow pupils, like the girl who took great delight in picking her nose and eating the snot in public; or the girl who wasn't too pleased when the fish tank in Mrs Stansfield class broke onto her - complete with slimy molluscs

There were historic moments, like watching the moon landing, and all the witing to NASA that we did.

Other memories include counting with rods, not enjoying semolina, the swimming pool being built.