School

[I went to] St Johns school next to the churchIts still there, but its taken over by some company that do wooden signs and sorts of things. We had lovely teachers but they were strict, very very strict school, Church of England, but they brought you up to be respectful of other people and do good for others.

We never had mixed schools, never had mixed schools at all Wedidnt have what you call special uniform, but we always had black woollen stockings and a gym slip, and if it was in the summer and you were lucky you had a white blouse and otherwise you had a jumper on. But it wasnt compulsory, not like it is now when they go to the schools. In any case, people couldnt afford it.

[My son] always went to St Andrews School, and then when he passed the 11 plus, as it was then, he went to St Olaves, the Grammar School, Tower Bridge. That was only a boys school. All the masters wore cap and gowns there, used to frighten the boys to death. But as I say, it done them good, I think.