1959 Peter Binns
A memory from 1958 was going camping on Mersea Island with the School Christian Fellowship. To my shame the only reason I joined the Fellowship was because the RE teacher, Mr. Fry, had advertised a trip to the Isle of Bute in Scotland by train. Soon after I joined, however, the destination changed to Mersea Island – traveling there by bike.
We all cycled there but Mr. Fry had a car, which was also driven by one of the pupils, Anthony Brown. I wonder if he had a license?
We camped out in a field and every day went into the village to distribute religious leaflets. Mr. Fry had a wind-up gramophone and we had to gather round this and join in singing. The gramophone kept running down and had to be frequently wound up. I found the whole experience totally embarrassing and I still shudder to think of it.
I remember when arriving back at school Mr. Fry’s car had a bike strapped across the back, which didn’t quite pass through the school gates. I think the wheels came off worse. Mr. Fry was such a nice guy he didn’t seem like a teacher and made the trip good fun, apart from the singing. I now live in Scotland and have been to the Isle of Bute several times so I don’t hold a grudge. The cycling bit was fun, however, and I wonder if anyone else recalls this trip?
Hi Peter,
I remember that camping holiday on Mersea Island with Mr. Fry (‘Dick’). I don’t think I cycled to Mersea but went in someones car.
Thing is – it was my bike that was strapped to the back of Dick’s car. As I recall it was a wet night, pouring with rain and we were at the Mayfield Girls School for a meeting. Dick offered to take me home in his car to save me getting wet and strapped my bike onto the back boot of his Wollesley. Unfortunately he forgot to allow for the extra width and when he went through the entrance smashed the bike against the gates. New forks and wheels I think it needed after that.
Happy days!!
Mike Kneller
Hi Peter & Mike. Yes, I went to that camp with you as well. Most of us cycled. It was or seemed quite a bit further than Danbury Park where we also camped. Mr Bill Beaumont a science teacher was also there as well as Stan Frankland, I think. Was it me? I think that the food was a bit scarce and sent a postcard home. A couple of days later a large fruit cake arrived by post from my mother. We had a great time demolishing it in the tent after dark.They were great times and Dick Fry became a long standing friend until he sadly passed away. I am still in touch with Phyllis his widow who is about 95 now and still active. Dick’s car was indeed a Wolsely index no KPE637. How about that for a useless bit of memory!! Best Wishes. Dave Walker