Correspondence.

I have recently discovered the D.C.S. website, and have been gripped by the nostalgia so graphically illustrated & written regarding the school life of Downhills Central School.

 The photo album showing the ‘huts’ annexe across both playgrounds, and the woodwork/needlework timber building were real memory joggers.

I can almost hear ‘Curly’ Cole’s voice “C’mon you boys” ! as he looked down on the queue for woodwork lesson. Memories of playtime/lunchtime playground football (tennis ball) were also stirred. I think Jimmy Thorn and I were the top dribblers at that time. I guess we were the Ronaldo & Robben of our day.

The trouble was I could never play as well on the field with those knobby toe-capped boots, and heavy laced (ouch!) footballs. The propensity for playtime probably affected my academic achievements but the teachers (bless them) persevered  under Headmaster Nick Mercer – whos cane in the cupboard gained much respect!  A kindly man though. The teaching staff of my day have previously been well documented but certain personalities remain in the memory.

I started in form 1a under Miss Hanlon. I was in Mandall house.  Miss Coda (English) although diminutive, somehow managed to control & get good results from the burliest boys!  (Her Dad had a hairdressers shop in West Green Road).  ‘Babs’ Brooker (Art), always a relief from heavier subjects & easy on the eye of course. Taffy Thomas (Science) who should have a medal for surviving lessons of controlled chaos at times! And of course, Geoff Rowe. I read with interest

his son’s account of his teaching career. Geoff certainly had meaningful and fulfilled life. His prowess with mathematics and sport were remarkable. I met him in the same football team some years later.  I also wondered how many years ‘Dusty’ Miller served as caretaker? My journey to & from school was walked via Downhills park to my home in Stanmore road.

 I hope to visit my old haunts later this year, but am aware that visiting Downhills park, Lordship rec., West Green Road etc. could be courting disappointment or sadness.  I now live in Stevenage

 Best wishes to anyone who remembers me.   

David Strutt 

16.02.05