St.Edmunds  Elementary School 1931-37


Here, there was not the slightest whiff of academic ability, but I did enjoy, kicking a ball; playing with the plasticine, modelling clay and sand in a tray. 

Knocked down by a bike when returning from school. Taken home with bleeding forehead by teachers. 

Failed the 11 plus.  Didn’t master long division --.could have been the head bleed ??   --Still scarred! 

On one occasion I had to stand in front of the school assembly in the corner - reserved for anyone acquiring the qualifications to be classed as a dunce, -- or, (-- for some misdemeanor.) 

At the school garden fete,  volunteered to go into the boxing ring against another boy of the same age group for 3 rounds. I was stung by a bee just before entering the ring. There were no knock outs -- but the bee didn’t get up off the floor. 

A trip by car driven by Fr. Weston on his way to see The Majestic Atlantic Liner, which was arriving at night and coming into dock at Southampton. We went on board. 
Fr. Weston was also influential in my learning to like Classical music as he had an HMV record player. 

A holiday in Folkestone with Mum & Dad and a day trip to Boulogne by ferry  and then to visit the Le Touquet, Etaples WW1 cemetery. 

A visit to friends at Hoylake. 
Playing one Golf shot with a 7 iron at the age of seven when Dad had a game with his friend from Hoylake. 

Other family visits:- 
A week with Aunty Mary and family on their newly 
acquired Benfield poultry farm in Marple Bridge, Cheshire where I helped to collect the newly laid eggs every day. Caught by Auntie Mary chasing the hens and catching them by the tail. (misdemeanor.) 
Helped in Uncle Tom’s bakery in Bolton.