I joined St. Michael's School in 1951. My very first memories were of the journey with my Father in the family Morris 10 from our home in Brentwood to Heacham.
Like many "new boys" at St. Michael's, I was duly installed into "12 Dorm."
I remember being kitted-out with new
school uniform and very quickly learned that anyone wishing to cross the ten
yard hop from "12 Dorm." to The Shooting Lodge Bathroom were required
to don Wellington boots and the great plastic mackintosh, and heaven help you if
you were caught trying to skip these procedures. I never did understand the
logic of this school rule!
During my first term at St. Michael's we were asked by Headmaster if we would all like to visit London and view the famous Festival of Britain.
As far as I was concerned the cost of such a trip was unknown and I must only assume that permission was sought from each and every parent. I have no recollection of the method of transport used for the trip but I vaguely remember that our accommodation in the Capital was old air-raid shelters near to Earls Court. Quite an experience for any young boy.
I remember queuing outside Lyons Cornerhouse at Trafalgar Square and when I am in London today passing Northumberland Avenue the memories of these frequent trips to London come flooding back.
St. Michael's School introduced me to new friends, many of whom were of various nationalities such as Persians, Kuwaitis, Lebanese, Gambian, and of course the Chinese who brewed China tea in the Kitchen after Prep each evening.
I remember the growing numbers of school vehicles - The Shooting Brake, the two Morris 8's. Indeed, it was in one of these cars that I passed my driving test around the Dock area of Kings Lynn. There was a Riley which was only driven by Mrs. Pott, a Hillman van and, of course, the Commer Buses. I remember very clearly when Mr. Pott took delivery of the first Commer Bus painted in the school colours with a very uncomfortable central wooden bench, which tended to tip over at every bend in the road.
School fare...........Do you remember the kippers and the rock hard bacon, and not forgetting the bloaters. Then on each and every Friday it was Fish pie for lunch. However, at least we were provided with our daily ration of school milk even though during winter months it was freezing cold to drink.
Reading Mike Pleming's splendid contribution in the Spring Newsletter reminded me that he owned a Motorbike, which must have done much for his street cred. in those days. (Hope you and Doreen can make it to Hunstanton this year, Mike).
So many memories.......................So many amusing memories. For example. I remember a time when I was in 12 Dorm. I was laying in bed half a sleep when I heard the noise of someone running along the gravel path outside the window. Suddenly, one of the windows was physically lifted out and the appearance of the dormitory senior prefect falling in through the empty space was a sight I will never forget! Regaining his composure, he quickly replaced the window into its aperture, raced across the dormitory beds, removed his shoes, threw his dressing-gown over the chair and jumped into his bed fully clothed! Immediately after this activity I detected the sound of heavy steps outside in the gravel and eventually the door of 12 Dorm was thrown open and there, filling the door space, was Headmaster. He spent a moment making sure everything and everybody was in place, closed the door and left.
I remember the long suffering members of staff, who looked after most of our daily needs including, and not forgetting, our education.
When I joined St. Michael's I was first taught by Miss Tozer in third form.
Who could ever forget Matron and Miss Salisbury who both looked after our health and our constant requirement for soaks to be darned.
Henry Taylor enjoyed a chequered career at St. Michael's and sometimes got things very very wrong. I remember that he totally miscalculated the severity of a corner in Heacham village whilst collecting parishioners destined for Evensong at Heacham Church. He managed to completely redesign the Double-decker bus in the process.
Obviously, many of my memories are centered around the activities at Heacham Church and Ingoldisthorpe Church involving the annual Christmas Carol Service, the Messiah and taking part in the Passion Play. Who could ever forget the magnificent performance at every Harvest Festival at Ingoldisthorpe Church.
These are just some of my many memories. There are so many more I wish I had time to share with you.
We all made many lifelong friends during our time at St. Michael's and this is reflected at each and every Reunion Weekend when so many people are so pleased to meet "old" friends again to exchange stories and reminisce.
Much of what we learnt during our school days is reflected in our success afterwards and I am sure you will agree with me that life at St. Michael's provided the inspiration and confidence to succeed in whatever walk of life we happen to choose.