Iain Palot
I ran the first year football team with Paul Ebsworth, as captain, Gary Charters, Redvers Dudman, Howard Weeks… good grief I have the photo but cannot remember the names. I taught Geography from 1968 to 1972. I ran a field trip to Streatley Youth Hostel and introduced the boys to the delights of no street lighting and long hikes across the chalk hills. Mickey Schafer had to go off swimming every evening to ensure his place in the British team, but I think he fell off his, or a mates scooter, broke his leg and never went to the Olympics. Where is Mickey now? Jim Tildesley taught History and came with me on a couple of fieldtrips with the 4th year Geographers to Streatley. He went on to the Passmore Edwards Museum in Stratford and ultimately to the Scottish Maritime Museum in Ayr. I remember introducing basketball along with Neil Ashmore and Jim Tildesley. One of our star players was Wilbert Greaves who gained fame as a UK high hurdler in the 1980s.
Dear Mr Palot,
Yes I remember the dinner time basketball games, Gary Rogers, Geoff Sparks, Doug Reman, myself, taking on the likes of Pat Carney, you and a host of other teachers.
My father moved the family away from the area just as I was about to take my GCSE exams he retired from the Police and decided to move up to Scotland!
Still the art of Basketball and Football stood me in good stead as I had trials for Scotland at both. Yes I can say without fear or favour they were my best days. Oh and thank you for making me your Class Captain! Your class room was round the corner from the gym on the left hand side.
Craig Wallace.