A blast from the past...
All of the following are extracts from the Parklands School 50th Anniversary Magazine. Sidcup Central & Parklands are the former names of Cleeve Park.
EARLY DAYS AT SIDCUP CENTRAL SCHOOL
(These are the memories of Mr. Victor Law, who was a teacher on the original staff in 1933.)
“I asked an old boy, Mr. B. Gregory, for his impressions of his first day at the new school – he was eleven and came from the Birkbeck Road School.
He said “The large blackboards fixed to the walls (they were painted black). The big globe in the Geography room which gave him a better idea of the world. The hall where he would do P.E. The workshops and the large playing field – much better than a small playground.”
My own impression: Some 300 boys attended in the hall, a little bewildered with the large school and being directed to their various classes – three years, 1st, 2nd and 3rd with one small 4th year (14-year-olds) leaving at Easter. It was a spotless school – no knocks on the paintwork, no broken lockers – but as usual down came the rain!
We soon settled down to the routine, moving for the first time in their school life from classroom to classroom for the various subjects. Boys of course, as usual: “please sir, sorry I’m late but I lost my way” – or not arriving at all! Probably found by the master in charge – in the toilets, having a quick snifter! The 4th Year all developed coughs; members of the staff had a cough cure – it wasn’t a pill and it didn’t come out of a bottle!
What about canteen dinners! What about them? For sixpence (2 and a half pence) per day? They were – in the eyes of the boys – awful, not like mum makes. Roast beef, pork or lamb once a week, with roast potatoes, batter pud, and greens followed by sliced peaches and custard (never any cream!) or steak and kidney pie with mash and peas, followed by nice ‘afters’ – sponge pud, apple pie, prunes , rice pud with flaked chocolate. All – according to the boys – not worth eating, but most crowded up for seconds.
During the next few years a number of our staff left to become heads of junior schools – some jumped the ladder to become inspectors. Our first head, Mr. Ireland, became an inspector and one of the original maths masters became a senior inspector for the whole of England – Mr. John Aldridge, he still lives in Sidcup.
We welcomed our new headmaster, Mr. Metcalfe – ‘Jock’ to the boys – and he soon knew all the boys and everything going on in his twice-daily visit to every classroom. He was the only member of staff to own a car – the rest of us cycled .
It was a sad day when he was called away to become Major Metcalfe, MC with bar. Dear old Clarkie became temporary head for the duration of the war and when school re-opened many of the younger staff were in the forces and women took their places. We learned our air raid drill and gas drill and our correct way to the shelters dug into the playing field. The boys took everything in their stride and would prefer to stand outside the shelters (if permitted) to watch the dog fights in the sky, hoping the shrapnel wouldn’t ping too close to them.
Considerable damage was done to the Girls’ section. On the first night of the doodle bombs, one fell in their playground and left their hall and art room just rubble. I can remember preparing to draw on my blackboard when it came off the wall and flew towards me – it was the blast from a rocket which fell in the Albany Park area!
The playgrounds were very tidy places. There were no bananas, oranges or imported fruits, sweets were on ration (boys sucked the sweet papers to get the last taste of the sweets and some found that a ‘nicked’ piece of pure beeswax from the workshops could be chewed as an alternative to spearmint.)
Sadly enough, boys’ cycles were in a very bad state of repair due to the lack of replacements and many would resemble the cycle used by our local character – ‘smoky Joe’. Ask your granddad about him!
At the end of the long years of war we were all so glad to be able to sleep peacefully when peace broke out.
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EXTRACTS FROM THE SCHOOL DURING THE LAST 50 YEARS BETWEEN 1933 AND 1983
1933: March 6th: “I, John Watson Ireland 21/3089, opened this school this morning when 346 boys presented themselves for admission. Details of the boys coming to the school had previously been received from the contributory schools and preliminary class lists arranged. At nine o’clock the school was assembled in the Great Hall, when the session opened with a hymn and prayers; the class groups were read out and sent to their respective rooms; all classes were at work by 9.30. The staff had met on the previous Friday to make all the necessary arrangements for the opening.”
May 30: “The school was officially open today at 3p.m. by Miss Violet Markham, CH JP. Lt.-Col. F.J.P. Edlmann, DSO MA JP, presided over a large gathering, which included managers, The Director of Education, C. Birchenough Esq., Kent County Councillors, Parents etc.”
1934: May 7th: “This morning in the 1923 group of boys who have been attending Blackfen Central School, Longlands School, Day’s Lane, Lamorbey C. of E., Sidcup C. of E., Sidcup Hill Central and who reside north of the railway line have been admitted.”
May17th: “The school closed this evening for the Whitsun Recess, to enable a party of 49 boys & 5 Masters to proceed to the Dymchurch Holiday Camp.”
November 29th: “School closed on the occasion of the marriage of the Duke of Kent and Princess Marina.”
1935: May 3rd: “At morning assembly a service of thanksgiving was held in remembrance of the King’s Silver Jubilee.”
July 8th: “The school closed today owing to an educational visit to Southampton Docks, & also to view the liner Majestic.”
September 9th: “The school reopened this morning after the summer holidays. Mr. Metcalfe, my successor commenced duty this morning.”
September 13th: “Last day of service. John W. Ireland.”
1936: January 22nd: “Miss Oliver addressed the boys at morning assembly in connexion with the late King George.”
January 28th: “School closed. Funeral of King George V.”
May 22nd: “Empire Day celebrations. Lecture to school at 9 by Sir William Larke. Combined talks during the morning on the ‘Empire and Empire Day’ by the Geography masters. Half holiday in afternoon.”
July 8th: “A new flagpole was erected to serve the two schools.”
1937: February 15th: “3.30p.m. Whilst spreading lime during a gardening lesson, --- and --- threw some at each other, some lime entering ---‘s eyes. First aid was given by Mr. Law and the boy was sent home in company with another boy, on the bus, and the parent informed.”
1938: May 28th: “During the football season, which has finished, both our first and second teams were unbeaten at home. The second team played 21 matches, winning 20 and drawing 1.”
June 5th: “Swimming at Lamorbey Baths commenced today. Third year forms during morning session and second year forms during afternoon.”
June 30th: “House sports take place this week from 3 to 4 – each house in turn – remaining houses under house masters and practice in school singing.”
October 31st: “First school magazine issued today.”
1939: January 17th: “J. Blackall and I. Maynard who left this school in 1935 & 1934 respectively for Sidcup Art School have gained scholarships to the royal College of Art.
August 27th: “All staff recalled owing to National Emergency.
September 11th: “School reopening delayed owing to War.”
November 8th: “Mr. Cooksey and Mr. Gull absent on holiday by authority of K.E.C. letter granting 2 days holiday to all staff between November 1st and November 30th.”
November 17th: “2 masters from Orpington Central School visited the school to examine Black-out scheme.”
December 15th: “Trenches on the Girls’ side were available for sharing between boys and girls so on Wednesday December 13th 1a, 1b, 1c, 1x, 2a, 2b and 2c attended in the morning and 2x, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3x, L1 and L2 attended in the afternoon. Air raid practice was taken a.m. and p.m. sessions & completed in 3 mins.”
1940: June 26th: “Boys medically examined for overseas evacuation.”
September 3rd: “The school windows in the teaching rooms was protected by splinter proof material by staff.
September 30th: “On Sunday I wired shelters temporarily with 8 100 watt lamps so that lessons could be taken there. Actually on Monday a firm commenced permanent wiring.”
October 11th: “There having been numerous air raids and a graph is being kept.”
December 20th: “The Staff undertook to be on duty one at a time during the day during the holiday.”
1941: January 12th: “Tonight Sunday at about 9p.m. incendiary bombs fell on the school, one on the girls’ veranda one grazing canteen and three went through the boys’ roof on to the top corridor. They were promptly dealt with.”
April 28th: “Mrs. Steer absent (compassionate leave for husband’s embarkation leave).”
May 12th: “Commencement of War Weapons’ week. Boys work was judged by the Staff and Capt. Downs gave away diplomas in the School Hall. The models, posters and handwriting done in connection with the War Effort were exhibited in the Wood-work Room and parents were invited to view these, The effort was very successful.”
August 1st: “During the week various activities were held in connection with raiding money for the local Spitfire week. £25 – 2 – 0 was raised.”
1942: January 5th: “Cheque for £23 was sent to Mrs, Churchill being the money raised by boys in the 2 weeks prior to Christmas.”
1943: The gas masks were inspected by Wardens. 3 missing. I made these up from lost property ones.”
December 8th: “Capt. Bostock gave a talk in the hall to the boys on the ‘Butterfly Bomb’.”
1944: June 16th: “Jet-Propelled bomb caused damage to Girls’ and Boys’ school.”
July 6th: “Mr. Dunmall absent owing to his house being bombed”
July 13th: “Mr. Barden visited the school in connection with the housing of 150 house repairers in the district.”
July 14th: “Mrs. Swain absent evacuating her small son.”
September 4th: “School reopened with an attendance of only 166 owing to large numbers being evacuated through flying bombs.”
1945: May 9th and 10th: “School closed V.E. and V.E. plus 1 day.”
July 9th: “Mr. W.H. Metcalfe took up duties as headmaster.”
1946: June 13th: “School closed. Victory celebrations. Party of 19 masters and 256 boys to Wembley Stadium.”
1947: January 27th – 31st: “Attendance this week very low. Monday 64%, Tuesday 65%, Wednesday 57%, Thursday 56%, and Friday 52%”
February 10th: “National electricity cut this week due to bad weather. Reported to be coldest spell for last 50 years, Electricity for oil burners allowed during cut periods.”
February 20th: “Further snow. Electricity cuts now 10-12a.m., 2-4p.m.”
March 4th: “No heating – no oil – oilmen on strike!”
March 5th: “No heating – school very cold – blizzard during night. Oil arrived midday and heating recommenced. Attendance very poor in afternoon – many boys went home at midday (possibly cold) and did not attend.”
1948: May 18th: “During the night 16/17th May the school was burgled, doors were forced by a jemmy and 2 G.B. strip film projectors and the wireless set were stolen.”
1949: May 9th: “Swimming instruction at Eltham Baths began.”
June 23rd: “School closed. Staff and 430 boys went in various parties to Hampton Court, Eastliegh, Science Museum, Whipsnade, Kew.”
1950: October 18th: “8 boys from leavers’ group attended Laorbey Park Adult centre as ‘guinea pigs’ for Youth Employment students.”
1951: February 9th: “Schools closed. Exhibition of school work for parents.”
February 16th: “About 10.30a.m. smoke was seen coming from the boiler room. The School fire alarm was sounded and the school was emptied of boys and the local Fire Brigade was summoned. The All Clear was given about 10.45a.m. The cause of the fire was the oil got on fire outside the furnace.”
April 12th: “School re-opened. The third and fourth year forms have been transferred to the new building at Foots Cray place.”
June 11th-22nd: “Mr. Carter absent – military service.”
June 30th: “At the Sidcup Festival of Britain School physical education display, this school gained first place in the secondary boys school field sports.”
November 12th and 14th: “Parents visited Bexley Lane buildings to see new buildings between 3-4 p.m. each day.”
1952: February 6th: “With deepest regret, I enter the fact that His Majesty King George the Sixth died this morning.”
February 15th: “Funeral of King George VI. Two minutes’ silence observed by the school.”
1953: June 1st- 5th: “Coronation Holiday.”
1954: November 9th: “180 boys and 8 masters attended film ‘Romeo and Juliet’.”
December 13th: An examination for teachers for the A.A.A. coaching certificate was held in a classroom.”
December 18th: “Mr. Shadwell and a party of boys attended the centenary children’s service at Rochester Cathedral.”
December 19th: “Mass radiography of 4th year boys.”
1955: July 14th: “Mr. F.C. Clark ceased official duty here, having been on the staff since the school opened in 1933.”
November 25th: “Messrs. Welbourne (District Educational Office), Wade (Divisional Buildings Surveyor) and Elsdon (Country Horticultural Adviser) visited Footscray place re proposed garden unit.”
1956: May 15th: “The school (Alma Rd) was burgled last night. The traffic controller’s white coat was stolen.”
July 9th: “Mr. Desborough (home office) re the establishment of a one day school at weekend for juvenile delinquents at the Alma Road buildings.”
1957: November 9th and 10th: “This weekend the Bexley Lane school was broken into and football gear to the value of about £3 was stolen.”
1958: July 8th: “Form master and 3B visited Arundel Castle.”
November 27th: “Army liason officer’s lecture to leavers.”
1959: January 7th: “The rural science unit at the school gardens, Footscray Place has been taken into use.
February 6th: “Very bad fog. Much influenza and bronchitis. Attendance 60%.”
March 25th: “Today I retire from the headship of this school after 24 years of happy work here both with the staff and the boys. I was grateful for the nice farewell gathering of boys, masters governors etc, held in the hall. W.H. Metcalfe.”
July 7th: “Mr. Law and 5th year to Gravesend Sea School.”
July 16th: “Sports Day held at Bexley Lane. Mr. Metcalfe came back to present the cups and certificates. Ten school records were broken or equalled.”
September 10th: “School re-opened after summer vacation with new Headmaster Mr. E.J. Rankin.”
September 21st: “Staff Meeting. Following decided:
1. Name of school Sidcup County Secondary School for Boys Upper and Lower Schools;
2. Suggested dates for prize distribution;
3. The banning of boys staying to lunch at Lower School from leaving the
premises;
4. Prospective plans for (a) parents meeting (b) school fund”
September 25th: “Parents meeting for boys from Lower School. The following points emphasised apart from the aims & purposes of the school.
1. The provision of school uniform;
2. The provision of pen, pencil and ruler
3. The voluntary contribution of 1/6d to school fund per term
October 22nd: “Inspection of exercise books – Maths and English throughout the school.”
November 26th: “First public school prize distribution. Everyone considered it to be a successful occasion. Choir and particularly verse-speakers performed creditably.”
December 9th: “Parents open evening for discussion of work at Upper School.”
1960: February 13th: “Charity soccer match staff and guests v school first XI. A sum of approx £5 was collected. Weather Inclement. P.m. Mass Jumble Sale for world refugees in Lower School Hall. Amount of approx £57 collected.”
March 2nd: “Staff meeting in upper school to discuss method of completing School reports. Now waiting for printers to send proofs. Object: To issue first reports immediately before Easter vacation.
July 13th: “Parties of boys visited:
(a) Kent County Agricultural Show, Maidstone, where School had an exhibition
of soils.
(b) Bristol – Docks and Cathedral.”
1961: May4th: “Staff meeting re intake position & steps to be taken in the coming year for the enchantment of the School’s reputation:
(a) Production of a school play – Christmas term;
(b) Extension of parents meetings and public presentation of the school;
(c) Continued and more extensive drive on school uniform
(d) Examination results in R.S.A. and G.C.E.”
July 12th: “Visit of 20 boys to Maidstone County Show with Mr. Ross to see among exhibits the school’s own exhibit ‘The Useful Tree’ – a study of the uses of forestry in Kent.”
September 20th: “School closed as a result of strike by teaching staff belonging to National Association of Schoolmasters (N.A.S.).”
November 17th: “Visit of Christopher Chataway, M.P., and talk to boys in Lower and Upper schools re functions of Government and his parliamentary experience and autobiographical matter.”
November 27th: Visit of Mr. Richard Marsh, MP., to lecture to senior boys on the function of the opposition. First meeting of parents association and teachers formed.”
1962: March 16th: “Party-dance parents’ association 8p.m. – 11p.m. 120 parents attended. Mr. Law M/C.”
September 14th: “Uniform inspection.”
December 19th: “Cup given to sales 4G, Chess champion, as school Area Chess champions for first time.”
1963: January 14th: “Dancing class with Girls’ school began. 20 boys present conducted by Miss Peggy Spencer.”
January 16th: “Staff meeting re development of a 6th year.”
January 28th: “Parents meeting re development of a 6th year.”
July 8th: “Staff meeting for selection of prefects.”
November 8th: “School photographs taken – colour for first time.”
1964: February 27th: “School plays ‘Island of the Winds’ Alan Cullen. Scene from ‘Henry IV Pt I. Shakespeare. Producers: Messrs. Thomas and Cook. Music: Messrs.
Bentley and Jones. Lighting and Sound effects: Messrs. Carter and White. Stage scenery: Messrs. Setchell, Law and Tanner.”
March 25th: “Today is my last day as Headmaster after four years and two terms of strenuous work. It is a matter of regret that the school continues to be divided but it is my opinion that it has begun to operate on sound but progressive lines. May this continue!”
July 7th: “Exhibition of work by parents and boys organised jointly by P.T.A. and Staff. An outstanding success from every point of view. For most of the evening the hall was packed with people who came to see the work displayed.”
July 11th: “Parents v Boys cricket match won by boys. Sir John Baker made the draw in the cricket bat raffle organised by P.T.A.”
July 21st: “R.G.R. Jones appointed Headmaster of Sidcup County Secondary Boys’ School”
October 30th: “All 5th year boys given permission to wear “prefects” scarves.”
1965: January 7th: “Mr. E.R. Atwell rejoined Staff as Deputy Head.”
January 19th: “Mr. Robinson, Assistant Education Officer, Bexley, called at school with plans of new buildings.”
January 25th: “School flags flown at half mast due to the death of Sir Winston Churchill.”
March 20th: “P.T.A. Coach trip to houses of Parliament – great success.”
March 26th: “Discussion between representatives of divisional office and Bexley borough grounds staff, with H/M on sitting of new playing fields.”
April 1st: “First day in the new London Borough of Bexley.”
June 16th: “H/M, Mr. Roberts and Mr. Tubb attended meeting at Bexleyheath Technical Girls’ school on P.E. Associations in new borough.”
December 21st: “A painting by K. Hayes of 5G won the 14-16 years entries in the Men of Kent and Kentish Men Art Competition.”
1966: April 1st: “School 1st 11 played midfield in the area senior cup final and won 4-3.”
Easter Holiday: “Seventeen boys – the handbell-ringing group and the U/13 football team – together with Messrs. Cook and Hawker left Sidcup on Thursday 7th April at 7.30 a.m. for Ponthierry in France . We have a link with the school in Pontiherry and the boys spent a day at the school. The football team played four matches and the handbell-ringers performed at several functions. Mr. Cook reported an exceptionally fine trip. Our boys stayed with French Families and a party of French boys will come to Sidcup in September.”
May 7th: “’Blossom Tour’ of Kent lanes organised by P.T.A.”
June 29th: “1A’s trip to Boulogne had to be cancelled because of seamen’s strike.”
July 15th: “1st XI defeated Swanley in final of Area 1st XI Cricket cup.”
July 21st: “School sports had to be cancelled due to the weather and condition of the field. This is the first time since the war this has happened at school.”
October 22: “New car park at Alma road used for first time as an additional playground.”
1967: June 7th: “Gentlemen from parks department called to discuss layout of playing pitches on playing-field extension. The question of Athletics track raised by H/M.”
June 15th: “Meeting of parents in 3rd year at Upper School 8 p.m. to hear about proposed new courses to C.S.E. in 5th year and ‘o’ level in 6th Year.”
June 26th: “Week’s trial of milk in carton containers started.”
July 7th: “Red letter day – Ridgway Contractors LTD. Who will build stage II of the buildings at Bexley Lane began moving onto the site.
July 12th: “Most successful sports day held at Bexley Lane. Many school records (17) were broken.”
July 14th: “Boys v Staff at softball. Boys won 11-5.”
December 18th: “French festival held in lower school hall at 3.15 p.m. attended by all boys taking French. Several members of Governing body also attended, together with a party of about 60 girls from the girls’ school with staff. A most successful first venture of this kind and great credit due to Mr. Vann.”
1968: September 17th: “Mr. Carter and Mr. Dunmall absent because of floods.”
November 6th: “Six ladies, three at Bexley Lane and three at Alma road started lunchtime supervision.”
November 28th: “Mr. Thornhill called at school to discuss new science labratories with H/M and Head of science department.”
December 5th: “Mr. Thornhill at School with Mr. White re the moving of equipment from the metalwork room at Alma road to Bexley Lane.”
1969: March 24th: “Permission was given H/M to contact architect and arrange for proposed staffroom to be turned into a classroom and for F.E. common Room to become Staff Room during day.”
April 23rd: “Classes using new woodwork shops.”
July 3rd: The decision was made that the move from Alma road should take place.”
July 17th: “General clearing up at the Alma Road buildings of the school well under way with the chests provided by removal contractor.”
July 24th: “Last day of the school at the Alma road buildings after 36 years. All clearing up also done at Bexley Lane to allow builders into existing rooms. Arrangements made for the senior part of the school to return to school together with staff on Thursday the 4th of September. But classes below 4G to return on Tuesday the 9th of September.”
September 4th: “School due to reassemble for Autumn Term but only members of staff reported for duty as new buildings were not ready.”
September 10th: “Return to school. All boys at the Bexley Lane buildings. Morning assembly with the whole school present taken in new school hall. This is the first time the whole school has met together for the morning Assembly since 21st March 1951.”
September 15th: “Road safety officer called about the dangers to boys using Bexley Lane now that 600 boys are attending the Bexley Lane buildings.”
October 18th: “The P.T.A. held its first social in the new school hall starting at 7.45 p.m.”
1970: January 8th: “Gymnasium used for the first time but changing rooms still not in use.”
March 12th: “The mayor and Mayoress of Bexley had lunch with the staff-room and went round the classes to meet the boys in the afternoon.”
April 23rd: “Parents, boys and staff table tennis match in the school hall at 7.30 p.m. a most enjoyable evening won by the parents 8 matches to 3 won by the boys to 1 by the staff.”
December 11th: “Parents open evening had to be cancelled because of power strike.”
1971: May 13th: “School closed for borough elections but boys taking C.S.E. examinations had to report as usual.”
May 18th: “Messrs Shadwell, Carter and Roberts attended a meeting at St. Catherine’s secondary Girls school at 4.30p.m. on raising the school leaving age.”
July 16th: “School closed so that staff could prepare exhibition of work. Some boys came in to help. Exhibition of work opened at 4 p.m. and went on until about 10 p.m. A great many people attended including C.E.O. and the Chairman of the School Governors. The staff in particular and the boys did a magnificent job and this was undoubtedly the best ever. The parents’ exhibits too were outstanding and we had a wonderful response from everybody. A great many people expressed their admiration for what we do here.”
September 23rd: “Mr. Lightfoot of the parks department at school to see H/M re fencing around school boundary. He was told about stones on the new football pitches and because of the danger these stones presented the new pitches were no longer being used.”
October 7th: “Notices of closure relating to this school, following the proposals for the reorganisation of secondary education on comprehensive lines, posted outside the school and also at the main (visitors’) entrance.”
November 19th: “School closure – for staff of this school to get together with staff of Bexley Erith Technical high school on a departmental basis to discuss the problems of the link-up as Junior and Senior high schools.”
November 24th: “Television cameras of I.L.E.A. at school all day recording French lessons taken by Mr. Vann for Audio-Visual use at Avery Hill College of Education.”
December 7th: “Mrs. Chadwick and Mr. Bentley with 30 boys went to Chatham Dockyard to visit and see our adopted ship the ‘Aurora’.”
1972: March 10th: “Messrs Prestwitch, Haines and Kelley H.M.I.s at school all day to inspect Art and Craft. They were initially impressed with the preparations we had made for their visit and after spending 30 minutes or so with H/M they dispersed to see for themselves what was being done in the workshops and art rooms. At 2.15 they assembled again in H/M’s room to make a verbal report to the H/M. Mr. Haines spoke about it as ‘the day’ after 20 years as an inspector and he said they would not see better craft than they had seen here in any similar school in England. He said he was not given to praise yet he spoke of ‘excellence’.”
April 26th: “H/M issued booklets on conditions of employment to all members of staff.”
May 2nd: “Mr. Atwell, Deputy Head, represented the H/M at a conference in Dorking called by the C.S.E. board on a Common Examination at 16.”
July 12th: “The weather was really glorious for our sports day, the first to be held on the new track at the top of the field. It was also the first sports day since the new house system was introduced. A bomb scare in the school forced everyone to leave the school building early and the first events started at 2.10. Mr. V.A. Law for so long associated with the sports and responsible for the layout of the track presented the certificates and trophies on this his last sports before retirement.”
September 7th: “Contractors arrives at 1.30p.m. to start the resurfacing of most of the playground and the canteen road.”
October 9th: “The two new R.O.S.L.A. classrooms, rooms 34 and 35, were taken over from the contractor.”
October 19th: “H/M and D/H met form representatives at 4.10p.m.”
October 31st: “No Morning assembly. Form representatives report back to their classes.”
November 20th: “School closed for the Queen’s Silver Wedding Anniversary.”
1973: January 26th: “Debate in school Hall. Very good.”
February 22nd: “Mr. Pearson called p.m. to see H/M re proposed hard tennis courts on playground.”
June 7th: “A representative from Smith’s came to see H/M about a snack dispenser.”
June 11th: “Governors’ meeting at 7.30p.m. in the staff room. Teacher representatives attended for the first time.”
July 6th: “Staff single wicket competition played in the evening. More than a dozen young staff took part. A good evening!”
July 7th: “Kevin Boylan of 3A running for Kent in the English schools athletics championships in Cheshire won the Junior 1500 metres race in a new record time of 4 mins 8 seconds. No boy of the school has run in the championships before.”
September 4th: “The new boys and many of the others were wearing the new school badge on their blazers and the new house ties.”
November 6th: “Debate at 4p.m. v St. Mary’s grammar school.”
November 9th: “School road safety team represented the borough of Bexley in inter-borough road safety quiz at Lewisham town hall. Supported by about 20 boys and staff they did very well, reaching the semi-final where they were beaten by children from a Lewisham school – the eventual winners.”
December 5th: “Decision made to cancel the parents evenings because of the shortage of petrol supplies and the fuel crisis.
1974: January 25th: “Film ‘Shane’ shown to the boys after school at 4p.m.”
February 6th: “Severe snowstorm about 7.15a.m. upset the travelling conditions and many members of staff were late for school. It was 10.30a.m. before all members of staff arrived safely and normal lessons could operate.”
October 1st: “School hall let in the evening for a liberal party meeting.”
October 7th: “Gas conversion day. No gas in laboratories, canteen, etc.”
December 6th: “Money has come in every morning this week from boys who have completed sponsored runs in aid of the school purchasing a mini-bus.”
1975: January 24th: “Mini-bus obtained from money raised by the boys taking part in a sponsored run bought from S.G. Smith’s (motors) of Dulwich. Mr. Harris and Mr. Jobling collected the Commer 12-seater after school.”
February 12th: “Midland Bank Schools Caravan at school all day for Mr. Bentley’s Business studies groups.”
March 18th: “Team of boys took part in Bexley Swimming Gala.”
May 1st: “Five members of staff proposed and seconded as teacher representatives on Governing body. D/H to organise ballot.”
June 5th: “National referendum to decide on Common Market. School used for polling station but we did not close.
June 25th: “Mrs. Selfe, the new chairman of the Governors, at school during the morning to meet members of staff and boys in the classrooms.”
July 10th: “Mr. Roberts took history group of 5G2C out in mini-bus to Battle Abbey.”
September 1st: “The new mobile classroom (Rm. 37) was ready for our occupation.”
November 27th: “Mr. Lightfoot from parks Dept. was at school a.m. to see H/M re letter sent to C.E.O. regarding the danger caused by stones and pebbles coming to surface around mobile classrooms.”
1976: March 10th: Mr. Lister, with Smedley (5g), Ede (5cs), Defries (6g) and Mills (2b1), out all day taking part in area national golf competition at Langley park golf club. We came 3rd to Dulwich College and Eltham College – a fine effort.”
March 19th: “A careers forum, organised by the P.T.A. with help from Mr. Atwell and the careers office, was held in the school hall.”
May 19th: “P.T.A. organised trip to Wembley to see Harlem Globetrotters.”
May 20th: “The ‘A’ Level art examination began in the medical room and continued until may 25th.”
May 28th: “Many boys from 5th year forms left school under the new act recently approved by parliament.”
July 9th: “Andrew Wheatly, swimming for Kent against Surrey, won the 110 yards freestyle for his age group in a time of 1 minute 7.7 seconds.”
November 3rd: “Churchill house out of morning assembly holding their own assembly in the canteen. A different house group out each morning in alphabetical order to continue for the present as we cannot get all the school into the school hall.”
1977: February 11th: “H/M attended a meeting called by the Director of Education at CrayfordTown Hall to outline to teachers the authorities plans for the reorganisation of secondary education in the borough.”
March 1st: “Mr. Timothy Good gave an illustrated lecture in the School hall at 4.15p.m. on unidentified flying objects. About 350 boys attended.”
March 24th: “The first ever rugby match between the staff and the school took place on a rugby pitch at Crayford school. A great match was won by the staff 24 pts to 6 pts but the boys played exceptionally well considering their very limited experience.”
July 14th: “The school was closed to enable members of staff and their helpers to prepare the school and lay out the work for the exhibition of work, which started at 4p.m. and continued until 9.30p.m. A great deal of hard work was done during the day but the evening was an evening of glory for the school.”
September 2nd: “Mrs. White telephoned the H/M at his home to inform him that Mr. A. S. White, a member of staff at the school since 1936, had died very suddenly that morning. Over many, many years as head of the craft department and master responsible for external examinations, Mr. White made a unique contribution to the well being of this school, setting standards of excellence in all kinds of ways, which some of us –both staff and boys- tried hard to follow.”
October 4th: “School closed for day. Closure granted by Authority for the splendid efforts of teachers and boys on the occasion of the Exhibition of work.”
October 18th: “*An historic occasion: the school played Hurstmere School in the first ever inter-school rugby match. Our U/14 team lost 18pts to 6pts.”
November 25th: “Prize giving. A brilliant speech by Mr. Edward Heath made this a memorable occasion.”
November 28th: “The boys arriving for school were turned back at the school gate and told to go home because there was no heating in the school. All members of staff reported for duty and stayed until 4p.m.”
1978: July 21st: “Last day for Mr. W.J. Shadwell, Head of R.E. and mathematics, who joined the staff way back in 1946 on his demobilization from the R.A.F.”
September 28th: “Many boys brought gifts of fruit, vegetables, etc. for harvest festival service.”
October 10th: “A lady reporter from the ‘Kentish Times’ called to see the H/M about the opportunities we offered boys for taking public examinations.”
1979: April 9th: “School U/16 team beat Bexleyheath school 5-1 in the final of the N. Kent Trophy.”
April 10th: “School U/17 team beat Crayford school 3-2 after extra time in the final of the ‘Kentish Times’ trophy.”
June 7th: “School closed for European parliamentary Elections.”
October 18th: “Mr. Thomas out of school to Foyle’s for speech Day prizes.”
November 26th: “Snack dinners started at school.”
December 18th: “Last day for Mr. E.R. Atwell, deputy head of the school since January 1965. He was appointed to the staff of this school in October, 1945, and at various times he was Head of Rural Science, Head of science and Head of Century. For 32 years or more he has devoted himself to the well being of the boys of this school and no-one has done more to establish the kind of standards we try to create here.”
1980: April 2nd: “Today I finish my term as H/M of this school after 34 years as a member of staff, Head of department, deputy head and head master. I have enjoyed virtually every day since I started here back in 1946 and I am grateful for the co-operation and friendship of the wonderful colleagues with whom I have served and for all the boys over the years who were such fine young men. Long may Parklands prosper. R.G.R. Jones.”
May 8th: “Parklands won the Bexley schools U/14 volleyball competition.”
July 4th: “The griffin Trophy (for craft) was presented to the school by Mr. P. Dawson, President of the Institute of Craft, Design, Technology for the year at Avery Hill College.”
September 1st: “It is with pleasure tinged with some apprehension that I start my term of office as Headmaster of Parklands school. The future promises to be a difficult and yet challenging one in view of falling rolls and the need to make educational economies.”
November 21st: “Steven Jennings, a poet, was in School to speak to boys in the 6th Year.”
1981: March 24th: Mr. Piper and Mr. Smith from the Gideon Society talked to 1st Year pupils and distributed bibles.”
June 1st: “Sixty boys reported back to school to start sixth form course.”
July 24th: “Staff gathered in the staff room for refreshments in order to say goodbye to Mr. Moss, retiring after 33 years’ service to the school.”
September 9th: “Scaffolding was erected prior to repair work on the roof of the original school building.”
September 24th: “A sponsored three-legged walk was held on the playing field at the end of afternoon school. The proceeds will be divided between the Elmstead Unit for the Disabled and the school mini-bus fund.”
December 2nd: “Mrs. Odunbanjo and Mr. Bevan took 1B1 and 1C1 to the Planetarium and Mme. Tussaud’s.”
December 11th: “Atrocious weather conditions. Prolonged heavy snow made it advisable to close the school at 1.30p.m.
1982: January 8th: “School closed early because of the appalling weather.”
February 11th: “Building contractors started work on bricking up the storeroom windows in Rm 20 and Rm 23.”
March 29th: “A reporter and photographer from the ‘Sidcup Times’ visited the school to see work done in the Art and Craft departments.”
May 24th: “Mrs. Ashe, Mr. Merritt, Mr. Farrall and Mr. Rawle visited St. Columba’s school to see City and Guilds Assessment work.”
June 16th: “It was confirmed that there was a situation whereby redeployment would be involved.”
October 28th: “Mobile classroom No.39 was removed from the School Site.”
December 16th: “An informal Carol service was held in the Hall at 12.30. The service was well supported, particularly by the younger boys.”
1983: February 16th: “The mayor Cllr. Todd-Dunning visited the school to speak about his sponsored walk.”
March 7th: “A special Assembly was held to mark the opening of the school on March 6th 1933. Several retired staff were present, including Mr. Law, one of the original members of staff.
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