Louis Jones - What a lovely man. But really, the prospect of teaching me how to paint, or produce pots… he was on a loser from day one. I don't think any examples of my art work survived for more than three hours after it's production. Unfortunately, some of my 'pots' did get back home to Mum, and were displayed proudly. When she passed away 8 years ago, and my Dad and I were clearing out the house, I was finally able to destroy the evidence of my failed artistic career. (Summer 1962 - He paints in an original way…)

Ken Jones - This bloke scared the **** out of me! He was huge, Welsh and taught Geography (that was ok), and P.E. (definitely NOT ok). I was not into sport. I didn't mind the odd tennis match, swimming, even hockey (but only because we got to play with the girls), but football, rugby, athletics and cricket… forget it! (Summer 1965 - There is little one can say except that he has concentrated his energies on tennis and swimming, almost to the total exclusion of athletics and cricket.)

Brian Hill - Really he sort of floated around my life at Wennington, occasionally trying to instil knowledge of the great and the good in English Literature and I'm afraid, failing dismally. I really am quite glad that I had left, before he took over the helm. He was an academic, and, I have to say, a thoroughly nice man, but certainly not a 'leader of men', let alone kids. (Autumn 1965 - There have been occasional good signs, but victory is not yet assured.)

Marie Claridge - I'll bet that's got a few of you scratching your heads. She was the diminutive School Secretary, and as such was responsible for issuing the mail from home, and train tickets at the end of term. As such, I thought that she was the best thing since sliced bread. Thinking about it, it was probably before sliced bread.

David Rothwell - This poor guy was on a loser from the word go, with me. History and Latin, I could not relate to. I have hardly any memory of Mr. Rothwell, but feel that the following History report sums up our relationship perfectly. (Summer 1965 - Has slipped downhill somewhat. His comprehension of the subject appears to be nil.)

John Chapman - My response to the teaching of this aforementioned Biology master seems to have been in inverse proportion to our mutual interest in the young blond matron. (Autumn 1962 - A very good term's work indeed. Keen and interested. Summer 1965 - Chris has ambled pleasantly through the term. Has achieved little but has remained interested. Should drop the subject at 'O level'.) I rest my case!

So, what was the outcome of all this effort put in by these fine people, and many more that I can't actually remember? Well I took two years to get 6 'O levels', (well sort of 8, except two were the same). English Lang. (twice), Geography, Maths, French, Physics and Technical Drawing (twice). I never made it to the Upper 6th and 'A levels'. However, in the afterlife I went on to gain an HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and subsequently survived a 30 year career in the Electricity Supply industry. I resigned from this reasonably responsible £30k job two years ago, as I could not cope with the stress and appalling management, introduced since privatisation.

Continued...