1978 School memories by Cameron McEwen

Cameron McEwen wrote from Canada responding to a Questionnaire printed for a Lacey Green School reunion organised by The Local History Group. Teacher Jo Rodbourne had written to him. The following are extracts from the long letter he sent in reply:--

Jo Rodbourne had updated Cameron on ex-teacher Peter Caudrey. In reply he wrote --

"I long for Peter's more rigid approach to teaching when I see what is happening to our education system here in Canada. I remember his patient guidance when we did woodwork in the common area outside of Class & and 8 rooms, as well as watching BBC2 programs and singing hymns in the church across the street.

Perhaps my best memories of Peter are related to a field trip that we took to an outdoor education centre where we studied plants and animals. I recall the boys staying in a dormitory, and keeping Peter awake most of the night with our screams of laughter. It all seems funny now, but I was certain we were going to give he poor man a heart attack as he ran from his adjacent room and yelled at us to be quiet.

I almost cried when I read your note about school dinners. I have fond memories of mushy peas, lasagne and the like. The kitchen staff were always so friendly and I always found it funny to see the student serving at eac table assume an odd sense of power when dishing out the food and drink.

Is the school swimming pool still at St John's? I can remember swimming in a very cold and less than clean water in early May, before the large indoor pool was opened in High Wycombe.

I think some of the students from my last year at St John's included Mark Ashby, Kate Phillips, Catherine Pullman, Lee Proudfoot, Pauline Searl, and Raymond Dickinson. Lee Proudfoot was one of the only other military children in my year and I was made aware that his father was killed n a flying accident a few years ago.

Thanks for getting back to me. And all the best for the start of the new year. Cheers. Cameron McEwen, Ottawa.