Derek Denchfield's Memories

Transport to and from Stoke Hammond, Great and Little Brickhill, was provided by Fortescue Brothers of Aylesbury Street, Fenny Stratford, in the form of taxis and cars, they used Fords and an ancient Chevrolet. This mode of transport was later replaced with a coach owned by Mr Ted Robinson from Stewkley. The journey was not made any easier, owing to the road conditions between the Brickhill's and Stoke Hammond, occasional breakdowns of vehicles resulting in late arrivals at school.

Assembly was conducted each morning in the new hall. The whole school, staff and pupils attending, followed usually with a hymn, reading and a prayer. The new building's construction date B.C.C. 1937, can still be seen on the wall facing Queensway. To many pupils, B.C.C. did not stand for ''Bucks County Council'', but ''Barrel Cooks College'', no disrespect intended! But respect for a very firm, but very fair and just headmaster.

The school hall also served for PE Lessons and at mid-day for lunch. The monitors and table prefects would lay the tables and serve their respective tables at each meal, clearing up after. Serving hatches were connected with the kitchen, pupils were also detailed to try and assist in the washing-up.

Miss Burnham was the girls senior mistress, other members included Mr Puryer, the two Mr Jones and Mr Bennett, the woodwork master - whose woodwork room was situated in the boys' playground. Miss Dove taught Music and PE, Miss Hope and Miss Browning were other members of staff.

Sport was mainly held in the Leon Recreation Ground, although for cricket we were marched up to the Park where we had the use of excellent facilities. Changing rooms were in pupils respective playing areas, where showers were installed.

At the outbreak of war, September 1939, efforts were made to utilize the large gardens for the use of vegetable growing, the produce being used in the school canteen. The gardens were extensive, covering most of the area now used as a playing field, this included the hall/gymnasium and extended to the old junior school and recreational ground. ''Dig for Victory'' was the national slogan. Gardening classes were formed, also a farmer's club/class comprising mainly of village lads. A depot was set up at Bletchley Park in the area around the pavilion and in the woods at Sherwood Drive, where the Fire Station and Police Station are now situated. We cleared an area and erected a fence and chicken houses - then hens were purchased. The eggs produced were also used at school. We would collect the meal and food from Smiths, Millers, in Bletchley Road, after producing our ration coupons. Potatoes, peelings, swill, etc, from the school canteen would be carried daily to the park, mixed with the meal, cooked on site for the hens. Many happy hours were spent in this way. A contrast to stuffy lessons!

I shall always remember one particular day in 1940, when the master in charge called us all together. In a very solemn voice he explained that France had capitulated and we were now fighting the Germans and Italians on our own. We thought the end of the world had arrived.

In these early days and indeed for a considerable time after, the old Bletchley senior mixed school was divided into houses. Named after Buckinghamshire nobilities, ie, Hampden, Milton, Cowper and Penn. Points for good work were awarded daily and totalled weekly. A shield was then presented at assembly to the respective boy and girl house captains. A very competitive atmosphere, I was a member of Hampden house - wearing a green badge. Cowper were yellow, Milton red and Penn blue. These colours were worn at all sports events.

I left school in July 1940 at the age of 14 and started work in Bletchley. But as they say 'that is another story'.