School day memories |
Your Fakenham School day Memories - How could we forget the best days of our lives!
Our busy days at school were filled with fun, laughter, joy and sometimes tears. If you have a memory you’d like to share? then we at the Fakenham Archive Group would love to hear from you. You can tell us about your school time memories simply by clicking on the school picture to the left and then use the ‘contact us' form to type in your story before clicking 'send’. Note; Please remember to include your consent. We are unable to archive or publish your memories without it. Stories featured on this page do so with the full consent of the each author. |
Memories of Fakenham Secondary Modern 1961-63
Peter Thatcher
24/05/2012
Do you remember:-
The Ford Cortina that Miss Platt and Miss Rogan travelled in. It was always lopsided and the registration was 5050 PW ( 50-50 Platt and Wogan????)
The wooden backed blackboard rubber whizzing through the air to make some inattentive pupils take notice in Mr Burn's music lessons.
The wooden blackboard ruler (broken at both ends) that smacked the science tables to wake pupils up in Mr Rounce's science lessons.
The routine of clearing up the woodwork rooms with Mr Booth.
The awesome sight of the vaulting horse in the hall and communal showers in the changing rooms.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, with the overnight camping and the athletic events (I just managed to scrape a bronze award - thanks, Mr Mann).
Assembly in the hall in 'straight' lines.
Was it all so many years ago????
24/05/2012
Do you remember:-
The Ford Cortina that Miss Platt and Miss Rogan travelled in. It was always lopsided and the registration was 5050 PW ( 50-50 Platt and Wogan????)
The wooden backed blackboard rubber whizzing through the air to make some inattentive pupils take notice in Mr Burn's music lessons.
The wooden blackboard ruler (broken at both ends) that smacked the science tables to wake pupils up in Mr Rounce's science lessons.
The routine of clearing up the woodwork rooms with Mr Booth.
The awesome sight of the vaulting horse in the hall and communal showers in the changing rooms.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, with the overnight camping and the athletic events (I just managed to scrape a bronze award - thanks, Mr Mann).
Assembly in the hall in 'straight' lines.
Was it all so many years ago????
Fakenham school day memories
Iain Lamond, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
24 Sep 2017
Ginny Platt but never to her face of course and I am sure the car that Miss Rogan drove was a Consul Classic with that distinctive reverse-rake rear window.
Percy Watson was probably the best history teacher I had experienced with his practical approach, we made a small early cannon bound in leather, it held a penny banger, a wad and a ball bearing, we succeeded in breaking a classroom window with this firearm. Livick Smith, as I recall was a sort of Dirk Bogard lookalike, Pitchford I recall was known as Miss Pitchfork.
One Headmaster I recall was Mr Kellet, a big man who always wore heavy tweed suits which made him look bigger, his round horn-rimmed spectacles and brush-like moustache, always stood and looked down upon everyone but said little. I seem to recall he died suddenly, despite his formidable size I found him to be an understanding and quite gentle man.
I left and moved to the Midlands then came to Australia in 1966. Somehow I got stuck in class C and told there was no hope for me in the future but joined the Air Force and became an electronic tech then threw it away to become a psychologist. I played recorder while at school (didn’t everyone) and was forced to play piano, I wanted a guitar but was told it was a crude instrument and was never allowed one, I took it up later in life and am now an accomplished classical guitarist and used to teach adults.
My Father was in the Norfolk Constabulary and his last post was Little Snoring, he died last year just short of his 90th birthday, I have one Brother who lives in Hobart Tasmania, he was still at primary school when we left the area.
Trying to remember more and I am sure it will eventually come back to me
Regards
Iain L
24 Sep 2017
Ginny Platt but never to her face of course and I am sure the car that Miss Rogan drove was a Consul Classic with that distinctive reverse-rake rear window.
Percy Watson was probably the best history teacher I had experienced with his practical approach, we made a small early cannon bound in leather, it held a penny banger, a wad and a ball bearing, we succeeded in breaking a classroom window with this firearm. Livick Smith, as I recall was a sort of Dirk Bogard lookalike, Pitchford I recall was known as Miss Pitchfork.
One Headmaster I recall was Mr Kellet, a big man who always wore heavy tweed suits which made him look bigger, his round horn-rimmed spectacles and brush-like moustache, always stood and looked down upon everyone but said little. I seem to recall he died suddenly, despite his formidable size I found him to be an understanding and quite gentle man.
I left and moved to the Midlands then came to Australia in 1966. Somehow I got stuck in class C and told there was no hope for me in the future but joined the Air Force and became an electronic tech then threw it away to become a psychologist. I played recorder while at school (didn’t everyone) and was forced to play piano, I wanted a guitar but was told it was a crude instrument and was never allowed one, I took it up later in life and am now an accomplished classical guitarist and used to teach adults.
My Father was in the Norfolk Constabulary and his last post was Little Snoring, he died last year just short of his 90th birthday, I have one Brother who lives in Hobart Tasmania, he was still at primary school when we left the area.
Trying to remember more and I am sure it will eventually come back to me
Regards
Iain L
Opening of Fakenham Secondary Modern School in Field Lane 1959
Hubert Dunthorne (Teacher)
In the 1950s the post war 'baby boom' was imposing a severe strain on schools everywhere. I first saw the effects of this in 1951 when I was appointed to Little Snoring Primary School. Two new 'temporary' classrooms (which lasted to the end of the century!) had been provided to cope with the influx of children resulting from so-called squatters occupying the service living quarters of the recently closed R.A.F. station. The little Victorian two teacher school, adequate for the thirty or so village children, suddenly had well over a hundred on roll, completely overcrowding the building.
By 1956 the pressure had eased at Snoring but the problem was shifting to the secondary stage and I was transferred to Fakenham Secondary Modem School in Queen's Road where class sizes of 45+ had become the norm. With the overall shortage of teachers nationally, staff changes were far too frequent, adding to the difficulty of maintaining a good standard of education.
It was therefore a relief when we learned of the building of the new school in Field Lane and even more of a relief when after Easter 1958 the move to the new site took place.
At last there was room to move, and staff and pupils alike were able to enjoy the spaciousness of the new buildings. There was so much that we had not had before - the gym, the assembly hall with stage, the kitchen and dining hall, science labs, needlework and domestic science rooms for the girls, acres of playing fields and indoor toilets!
But still the numbers grew. Before long, instead of a four-form entry year there were up to six forms entering in one year, and mobile classrooms were required!
The above article was originally submitted by Hubert to Fakenham High School's December 2009 edition of 'In Touch' magazine to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary.
In the 1950s the post war 'baby boom' was imposing a severe strain on schools everywhere. I first saw the effects of this in 1951 when I was appointed to Little Snoring Primary School. Two new 'temporary' classrooms (which lasted to the end of the century!) had been provided to cope with the influx of children resulting from so-called squatters occupying the service living quarters of the recently closed R.A.F. station. The little Victorian two teacher school, adequate for the thirty or so village children, suddenly had well over a hundred on roll, completely overcrowding the building.
By 1956 the pressure had eased at Snoring but the problem was shifting to the secondary stage and I was transferred to Fakenham Secondary Modem School in Queen's Road where class sizes of 45+ had become the norm. With the overall shortage of teachers nationally, staff changes were far too frequent, adding to the difficulty of maintaining a good standard of education.
It was therefore a relief when we learned of the building of the new school in Field Lane and even more of a relief when after Easter 1958 the move to the new site took place.
At last there was room to move, and staff and pupils alike were able to enjoy the spaciousness of the new buildings. There was so much that we had not had before - the gym, the assembly hall with stage, the kitchen and dining hall, science labs, needlework and domestic science rooms for the girls, acres of playing fields and indoor toilets!
But still the numbers grew. Before long, instead of a four-form entry year there were up to six forms entering in one year, and mobile classrooms were required!
The above article was originally submitted by Hubert to Fakenham High School's December 2009 edition of 'In Touch' magazine to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary.
Memories of Whissonsett and Fakenham
Peter Thatcher
11/09/2011
I lived at Whissonsett as a child, in the school house, as my parents were teachers there - dad the Head and mum the infant teacher. When I was 13 the village school was reorganised and I had to go to a secondary school (September 1961). I should have gone to Litcham (I failed the 11+ and 12+) but dad was not happy with Litcham, so he found me a place at Fakenham Secondary Modern and bought me a new bike. I had to cycle the 6 miles to school every day, whatever the weather.
I particularly remember the winter of 1962-63, when the temperature never went above freezing from December to March (I think) and the roads were blocked hedge high with snow drifts. I still got through on my bike (I had a cape and leggings to keep me dry, but on a windy day it acted as a sail: fine with a wind behind, but hard work with a head wind). Fakenham School (and the bike ride) did wonders for me: I gained confidence and when I left was able to go to Lynn Tech for 4 years, where I passed 6 O levels and 3 A levels, and then gained a place at King Alfred's College in Winchester (my dad's old college).
While I was at Winchester I was given the chance to take a PSV test (nothing to do with teaching, although the college was glad to have one or two students with that qualification so that we could drive the mini buses and coaches they hired for the teaching practices and sports events). Of course, when I came home for holidays I would drive for local coach companies and Carleys (before they went bust), then Tom Bamments gave me quite a bit of work. (I did also pass my teaching certificate.)
I notice your article by Mr Boggis, whom I do not remember, but I have similar memories of Mr. Booth (I still have my tea tray). He used to end each lesson with "Right, boys, stand by your benches and open your cupboard doors", then would follow a list of items that should be in the cupboards which were in the end of each woodwork bench.
Jeff Rounce was responsible for instilling an interest in beekeeping in me, Jack Burns gave me the chance to sing solos in the school choir, and Dick Cracknell has helped to give me a love of sailing. (I did not go any further with acting!)
My Dad lived at Wells as a child. His parents kept the Railway Hotel, he went to Wells Primary School and then to Norwich for a year, before Fakenham Grammar School started (I think!). He was one of the first pupils, and the long photo, I believe, is the first school photo. (You might be able to verify this for me from your records??) He travelled by train, and I still have his season ticket (although I well remember him telling me of travelling by bus and having to get out and help push the bus up Barsham hill, so perhaps his method of travel changed).
11/09/2011
I lived at Whissonsett as a child, in the school house, as my parents were teachers there - dad the Head and mum the infant teacher. When I was 13 the village school was reorganised and I had to go to a secondary school (September 1961). I should have gone to Litcham (I failed the 11+ and 12+) but dad was not happy with Litcham, so he found me a place at Fakenham Secondary Modern and bought me a new bike. I had to cycle the 6 miles to school every day, whatever the weather.
I particularly remember the winter of 1962-63, when the temperature never went above freezing from December to March (I think) and the roads were blocked hedge high with snow drifts. I still got through on my bike (I had a cape and leggings to keep me dry, but on a windy day it acted as a sail: fine with a wind behind, but hard work with a head wind). Fakenham School (and the bike ride) did wonders for me: I gained confidence and when I left was able to go to Lynn Tech for 4 years, where I passed 6 O levels and 3 A levels, and then gained a place at King Alfred's College in Winchester (my dad's old college).
While I was at Winchester I was given the chance to take a PSV test (nothing to do with teaching, although the college was glad to have one or two students with that qualification so that we could drive the mini buses and coaches they hired for the teaching practices and sports events). Of course, when I came home for holidays I would drive for local coach companies and Carleys (before they went bust), then Tom Bamments gave me quite a bit of work. (I did also pass my teaching certificate.)
I notice your article by Mr Boggis, whom I do not remember, but I have similar memories of Mr. Booth (I still have my tea tray). He used to end each lesson with "Right, boys, stand by your benches and open your cupboard doors", then would follow a list of items that should be in the cupboards which were in the end of each woodwork bench.
Jeff Rounce was responsible for instilling an interest in beekeeping in me, Jack Burns gave me the chance to sing solos in the school choir, and Dick Cracknell has helped to give me a love of sailing. (I did not go any further with acting!)
My Dad lived at Wells as a child. His parents kept the Railway Hotel, he went to Wells Primary School and then to Norwich for a year, before Fakenham Grammar School started (I think!). He was one of the first pupils, and the long photo, I believe, is the first school photo. (You might be able to verify this for me from your records??) He travelled by train, and I still have his season ticket (although I well remember him telling me of travelling by bus and having to get out and help push the bus up Barsham hill, so perhaps his method of travel changed).
Custard
Peter Boggis
Fakenham Secondary Modern, 1959-1963
06/08/2011
No complaints about school dinners - second helpings were always eagerly anticipated. There was often a rush at the end of the second sitting for any surplus pudding.
I remember one lunch time in particular: a fellow pupil from our table was speedily returning with a second jug of that lovely custard when, to our horror, he slipped over! To our relief and amazement, the custard survived the near-disaster without a drop being spilled. Euphoric applause rang out as he quickly sprang to his feet and courageously delivered the eagerly awaited custard to our table. Happy days ...
Fakenham Secondary Modern, 1959-1963
06/08/2011
No complaints about school dinners - second helpings were always eagerly anticipated. There was often a rush at the end of the second sitting for any surplus pudding.
I remember one lunch time in particular: a fellow pupil from our table was speedily returning with a second jug of that lovely custard when, to our horror, he slipped over! To our relief and amazement, the custard survived the near-disaster without a drop being spilled. Euphoric applause rang out as he quickly sprang to his feet and courageously delivered the eagerly awaited custard to our table. Happy days ...
Woodwork
Peter Boggis
Fakenham Secondary Modern, 1959-1963
06/08/2011
My favourite lesson at Fakenham Secondary was Woodwork with Mr. P. Booth. I remember in my final year (1963) opting to make a four-legged stool, which was quite a challenge as it involved hand crafting 16 mortise and tenon joints to hold it all together. Weeks of measuring, sawing, chiselling and glueing followed until finally at the end of term I proudly offered up my finished masterpiece for analysis and marking. I anxiously watched as Mr. Booth meticulously checked all twenty internal and external angles for squareness. Clearly surprised by my achievement, a wry smile appeared on his chubby little face as he proclaimed; ‘Well, lad; I’ll believe in Father Christmas now'!
My end of term exam report for woodwork shows an exam Mark of 55%, Final Assessment, C+ so Mr. Booth couldn’t have been that impressed by my efforts! Today, almost 50 years on, that very same stool lives in my shed as a reminder of Mr Booth and my time at Fakenham Secondary Modern.
Fakenham Secondary Modern, 1959-1963
06/08/2011
My favourite lesson at Fakenham Secondary was Woodwork with Mr. P. Booth. I remember in my final year (1963) opting to make a four-legged stool, which was quite a challenge as it involved hand crafting 16 mortise and tenon joints to hold it all together. Weeks of measuring, sawing, chiselling and glueing followed until finally at the end of term I proudly offered up my finished masterpiece for analysis and marking. I anxiously watched as Mr. Booth meticulously checked all twenty internal and external angles for squareness. Clearly surprised by my achievement, a wry smile appeared on his chubby little face as he proclaimed; ‘Well, lad; I’ll believe in Father Christmas now'!
My end of term exam report for woodwork shows an exam Mark of 55%, Final Assessment, C+ so Mr. Booth couldn’t have been that impressed by my efforts! Today, almost 50 years on, that very same stool lives in my shed as a reminder of Mr Booth and my time at Fakenham Secondary Modern.
© 2011 Fakenham & District Community Archive.
Created in-house by Fakenham & District Community Archive
Created in-house by Fakenham & District Community Archive