An early memory of the first form as a boy was the introduction to the school coal hole by the boy who became a good friend and then brother-in-law, John Swatton (1948-53) with other accomplices.

I recall dodging the early morning school hat and cap inspections with my version of an early warning system.

Another memory was of singing in a trio with Colin Chalmers and Ray (?) East, directed by Miss Higginson at a local festival.  Ivy and I were in the school choir right through our school career, but I could only sing in tune in a larger group, and so, unlike Ivy, I never joined Mr. Madin's madrigal choir.  I remember Brian Gurden, Mr. Bell and Mr. Taylor being active in both groups.

A Mr. Meazel, who was an exchange teacher from America, had a profound effect on my life in my third year.  He introduced me to long-distance running and created a life-long interest.  His version of hitting a cricket ball on the leg-side had to be seen to be believed.

He also introduced us to baseball that year.  Another influence fostered at school was Mr. Copson and Mr. Mortimore's Transport Club, which has resulted in my garden sporting a half-built model railway.

School plays had Ivy acting or prompting, while I painted scenery.  I can't remember who it was who stepped down from a ladder, straight into a bucket of paint, while a now respectable solicitor fell off a ladder without spilling a drop of the paint he was carrying.

Painting also figured in the sixth form when I followed Ivy by becoming a prefect just in time to help repaint the walls in the Sixth Form Room.  I still get conned into redecoration by the female side of the family.

School dances to the Stoner Quartet and Ivy dancing while I watched.  I still can't dance.

Prize giving very year meant a prize for Ivy but not for me.  School elections when John Swatton had the nerve to throw election pamphlets from the school balcony at the end of Dr. Roberts' assembly.  John is now a respectable school governor of many years standing.

I remember the hot Sports Days and the cold cross country runs through the streets.  The school influences continued on leaving there when Miss Stevenson guided me into the career I have followed ever since, that of Personnel Officer.

Martin and Ivy Hine (nee Swatton)
1950-57