Fond memories of Wingfield

AS an exile in Cornwall I read with interest your article about the 50th anniversary reunion of the Wingfield School opening, which is being organised by teacher Glynn Johnson.

I was a first year at Wingfield in 1965, six months after it opened, and took part in its official opening ceremony later that year! I have to admit that it wasn’t the school that my twin sister, Hazel, and I wanted to attend, Kimberworth and Old Hall with our junior school friends was our choice, but my mother insisted and I have to say that it was a very good decision on her part as I thoroughly enjoyed my time there!

The teachers that I best remember from my time at Wingfield were Mr Archer, Mr Horspool, Mr Townsend and probably the best remembered Mr Moodycliffe, who stood no nonsense in his classroom but was admired by all.

The classmates that I remember included Maggie Walsh, Sue Attree and Val Marr of the girls and Stef Kania, Mick Younger and Dave Batty of the boys, other lads from the school football team included Roy Manewell, Dave Jeffs, Ray Sayles, Alan Pritchard, Mick Appleyard and Tony Slazak. There were many others but too many to mention in this letter, and I can honestly say that everyone that I can remember, I remember as being really nice!

I think Glynn Johnson started teaching at the school the year that I left but I remember him from our local football days with his infectious enthusiasm and no little skill. If he was the same in the classroom his pupils will have been well taught, I’m sure! I imagine he should probably be known as ‘Mr Chips of Wingfield’ after dedicating his working life to the school, something I imagine that doesn’t happen too much these days.

Unfortunately I won’t be attending as it’s a bit too far for a night out but I hope it is well attended and many happy memories are talked about.

Glynn Coates, Helston, Cornwall