I was often ink monitor with the task of filling the ink wells from a large pottery bottle without spilling the ink.

I found handwriting lessons the most tedious. The steel nib pens were so difficult to use. The nib would either cross over or split, causing a blot. We were given a small piece of blotting paper that was supposed to last ages, but was usually covered in ink by the end of one lesson. Copperplate writing was taught, again difficult to scribe in a uniform pattern. On no account must your writing slant backwards!

On Friday afternoon groups of pupils were given the opportunity to perform a play. We had great fun preparing this (often on the playground during playtime) and my favourite was "Little Women".

In February 1952 we were told of the death of King George VI, and the following week listened to part of the funeral service on the radio.

The Summer Term brought many outside activities, Country Dancing, Morris Dancing and preparation for the District Sports.

Miss Wing encouraged us to enjoy dancing. It was wonderful dashing down the set in "Stripping the Willow" and swinging our partners until our feet left the ground.

Morris Dancing was also fun and more popular with the boys. Bells were tied round our ankles, and, armed with a wooden baton, we danced "Gathering Peascods". The more noise we made the greater the enjoyment. Strangely no-one was ever injured, or admitted nursing a bruised thumb.

Every year the school took part in the District Sports held in the stadium at Wolverton. For many weeks we practised running flat races and relay races in Leon Rec.

When the day arrived we were given kit to wear, green and white tee shirts, with the school badge embroidered on the front, and crisp white shorts.

The stadium seemed enormous. There was a proper running track and a stand for the spectators. I felt really important and hoped I wouldn't drop the baton. We won the shield that year and as girls’captain I proudly walked to the stand to collect it.

School outings were few. However, I remember a visit to the cinema to see "Scott of the Antarctic". Silence was maintained throughout the film.

At that time, one of the class members won a competition in the newly launched comic "Girl". The prize was a trip to New York. On her return she was presented with a gold coloured bust of the Icon on the front of the comic. This was brought into school as a lucky mascot when we sat our 11+ exam.

Playtimes were spent with skipping ropes, practising "bumps", playing "five stones" and, of course, playing chase, hoping that a boy would catch you!

We had to go to the Senior School for our lunch. I remember Junket, Cow Pie and Tapioca pudding. Ugh!

Miss Wing's enthusiasm for music was the start of a lifelong interest, and for that I will always be grateful.

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