School Caps

Michael Roberts writes - "Just had a flashback after reading the memories page about when it was decided that older boys no longer had to wear caps (1962 ?). Not before time either as some of the lads were shaving and stood 6 feet tall!! Although some wore them as a statement at quite a rakish angle and the tattier the better. A small bonfire was organised in the playground and a quantity of caps were set alight, much to the staffs dismay as the peaks were made of rubber and clouds of choking smoke drifted across the school!

Steve Garrett remembers that it was September 1966 when the rule was changed so that third year pupils no longer needed to wear caps. As he arrived in the third year then, he was one of the first to benefit.

Chris Cork can add to that - I burned my cap on that day, and recall the incident well. A teacher put the fire out, retrieved what caps were retrievable, and identified the Burners from the names inside the charred and hated caps. But I can't remember what happened to those identified. [Does anyone else remember?]

I also remember what a great benefit is was to be a "County Boy". Because we lived in Ravensthorpe, I came in to Northampton by bus and it did not get into town until 8:30ish. I was excused assembly, and it also allowed me to miss any detentions, as the last bus from town was around 4:15pm.

A Thought from Bob Sanders, who has lived in Australia for the last 30 years.

Just one thought. In my last year in 1964 (fifth year) we had Nobby Clark as our form master and at the time we disliked him immensely because of his strictness. On reflection I now realise that it was he that installed the sense of discipline in us that taught us how to behave and this has been a very valuable asset during my adult life. No doubt he has long passed without any knowledge of our gratitude which is a pity but I suppose that's life.

We believe that he is still alive.

James Sorrie offers these observations:

How fascinating Latin lessons were when you could get Ned Bennett off the subject of Latin and get him talking about the Second World War. With his experiences - Strewth! - He should have written a book about it.

Mind you I still absorbed the Latin portions of his lessons. To this day when I recall the various conjugations of the verb 'to love' the voice I hear in my head reciting them is Ned Bennett's. How strange!!

amo, amas, amat, amamus, amatis, amant.

James Sorrie

Bryon Dun sent me these thoughts:

"Double dettos" were the norm - as in a spat with Juliet Hamlet (Maths Teacher)

"Hamlet" - where do you think you have been ? (I was late for maths)

"Me" - nowhere particular

"Hamlet" - double detention

There was no appeal - and it meant that night - not a lunchtime at your convenience and with your parents consent.

No one has mentioned - the Gallones Ice Cream van outside the gate at lunchtime (usually Romellia Gallone - who was just a very nice 19 yr old Italian girl in those days - I still chat with her about those days when I see her)

No mentions of the Old Mans Hut on the Racecourse used for sorting out disputes at lunchtimes - or Happy Valley - if you had a girl with you

Regards,

Bryon [They have all been mentioned now]

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