I was a pupil at WCPBS from about 1962-66. I recall that my first teacher was Mr Keating, followed by Mrs Saunders and Mrs Lovegrove (I think) and then by Mr Dean in the top class. When I arrived in Mr Keating's class, we all sat at two-seater iron-framed benches with a shelf underneath.

Next door to the school was Grizzards, a remarkable government surplus store stretching over a large acreage. Its stock included aircraft gun turrets and all sorts of stuff left over from the second world war, including dozens of landing craft. Who the customers were for all this I have no idea.

The school at that time was divided into three 'houses' - Crispin, Wigod and Doyley, named after local historical figures. I remember taking part in the Easter quiz you mention in some of the documents on your website. It kept us all out of trouble during the school holidays and also helped us to learn more about our town.

I was in Mr Dean's class when we measured his allotment and found out that it was smaller than he had been led to believe. The story ended up in the local paper, which caused great excitement.

We held our annual sports day in the Bull Croft and I have pictures of myself receiving a house shield trophy from the mayor, Cllr A H Boys. I note that this trophy is not amongst the others that you have pictured on your website. Also missing is the Graham Hoddinott Cup. This was given to the school by the parents of Graham, who was a classmate of mine who died of leukaemia. It was presented to the winner of the 100 yards race. I wonder where both of these trophies are now? Graham's parents ran the Rowbarge pub in St Leonards Lane, now gone.

Nick Fielding