Rocheway School - II
More memories
By Richard Hall
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Also see article by Len Bickford on Rocheway School
Seeing the photo of Rochford Secondary School at Rocheway bought back many memories of when I was there in 1955/59.
The first thoughts when going there was how big it was compared with the primary school. It had spacious classrooms surrounding a large quadrangle and the school playing fields were vast. It also had space for allotments. I am not sure modern schools are as well appointed as this educational establishment!
Mr Wallace was headmaster in this period and the various teachers that I remember were Mr Symes (woodwork and punishment!) Miss Burnham , Mr Hipsey and Miss Issacs. In the playground, in order to separate boys from girls, there was area of 'no mans land' down the centre of the playground. We were not allowed to cross, the punishment was the cane. Even seemingly minor things like, for example, I remember being late for school because of a cycle puncture. I scooted my bike down the playground to the rear entrance only to be spotted by a teacher who sent me to Mr Symes for 6 of the best.
Despite the huge area of playing fields, I still managed to damage the building brickwork when practising the shot putt. Generally, we all felt that the teachers had done their best with us, most people were very happy and contented and I remember the school meals were very good.
PS: In addition, I well remember WHITTINGHAMS in that iconic garage building. I bought a green Austin Healey MK1 sprite from one of the Whittingham boys and its the only car that I bought that I sold for more money than I gave.