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Derwent school

I attended all the Derwent schools from the Nursery up to the Senior school and I was one of the last pupils to pass through the Senior school as it closed in my second year and we had to move up to Darwin for the final year. If you are on facebook I have created a group on there called 'Derwent Schools in Derby' which I have a few pictures. All the nursery, infant and junior schools have been demolished and although the senior school is still there it is used for a different purpose. I remember the nursery used to be in a portakabin like building with Miss Keane/Mrs Russell running the show. I remember going up to the infant school and having our milk and biscuit in the mornings. The headmistress at that time was Mrs Haywood and my teacher was Mrs Addy. The infant school was a mainly wooden structure unlike the solid brick built junior school. My first teacher at the junior school was Mrs Smith who was getting on a bit and whom I seem to remember retiring not long after. Other teachers I remember were Mrs Chipchase,Mr Hobson,Mr Sayer,Mrs Burton,Mr Ashton who I had in the final year and was very strict. Mr Gilbert was the headmaster. I remember going swimming on Friday mornings at Queen Street baths. On moving up to the senior school we came across many characters. Mr Smith was the Headmaster at the time who I never really had much dealings with which can only be a good thing at school. Mr Barry was the PE teacher who was good at hockey and popular with the girls as I remember. Mr John who was a good friend of Mr Barrys had a handlebar moustache and a little cane which he had a name for but at this time escapes me. I have a picture of Mr Barry and Mr John on my facebook group with the 3rd year football team of that time. Mr John used to help Mr Barry with the football teams. Mr Soar was the Science teacher,Mrs Elliott took french and German. Mrs O Dowd took music. Mr McArthur who was Helen McArthur(the yachtswoman) father. Mr Gould how can we forget him.....the science teacher who would fling your book across the room if your writing wasn't neat enough! Mrs Baghurst who took geography. Mrs Worth who ran the library.Mr Dean the art teacher with his flash TR7....Mr Debrick was the Maths teacher...Mrs Williams took English......sure there were a few more....oh yes Mr Homer...woodwork... It was a shame when the school shut because there was such a good atmosphere there but sadly we never realised till we were forced to go up to Darwin school which was nicknamed 'Colditz' by the Derwent lot. Good days. Join my facebook group 'Derwent Schools in Derby' and please add your memories of the good years that were had at Derwent School.

Warren Elkes

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County:  Derbyshire