But back to Wennington for my final few, rather obscure and random memories. I remember being promoted to Acting Head Boy in my last term or two. I'm not sure why, but have a feeling that the previous incumbent was 'asked to leave' for some reason. There was one wonderful benefit from this post. You will remember that this period of the sixties was the era of the mini-skirt. Kenneth had decided that only a certain amount of young female thigh was acceptable, although I think he actually quite enjoyed it. I can't remember the value, but it was measured in 'inches above the knee'. And it was my job to monitor this, before the Sunday Evening Assemblies, complete with ruler and quivering hand. It was far more than a lad of my age should have been subjected to. Although, I actually enjoyed it even more than Kenneth.

I remember the filming of the BBC TV programme about the school. I remember seeing Duke Ellington live at a concert in Leeds, organised by Roger. I remember the woods, where we used to retreat in moments (or was it hours?) of stress. Pine woods, with 'stinkhorns', fallen trees, and dens. I remember the Sunday 'bike rides', our only chance to escape the confines of the school, complete with 'packed lunches' provided by the kitchen. I remember singing Handel's Messiah in Wetherby Church. I remember Bonfire Nights, when the kids could chase and 'beat up' the adults. I remember sneaking into Wetherby Racecourse, and standing at the rail at the finish of a race, (the only time I've ever been to a race meeting in my life.).

I remember my parents taking me out to 'The Angel' in Wetherby, when they visited during my last year. "Would you like a drink?" said my Dad. "Thanks, I'll have a Newcastle Brown," I replied. He was only slightly put out by the fact that his 17 year old son actually knew what a Newcastle Brown was!

And I remember my last day, or rather, evening. Like many older kids, I had stayed on, to help clear up the place after the hoards had left, along with the then Head Girl. Let's not mince words, I fancied her. Ok, I knew that she had a boyfriend, or, as I think the term was, 'was a couple' with another guy. Still there was her and me, so I thought I'd go for it. I stole a bottle of wine from the staff room, I think my only act of theft in my life, apart from the odd pen, and Post-it-pad, from work. Having lured the young lady into the Lower sixth formroom, we proceed to demolish said bottle. However, as soon as I hinted at any further fraternisation, she very firmly, if slightly drunkenly, told me to forget it, as she was intent on being faithful to her boyfriend. So I forgot it!! The story of my life, really. As well as a hangover the next morning, I also got a bollocking for nicking the wine.

So to sum up my feelings about Wennington, it certainly had its ups and downs. I think, probably, that at the time, the 'downs' won, but after 30+ years reflection I feel that the 'ups' have it! It was an amazing place. It was a place of contrasts. The appallingly cold winters and the wonderful warm summers. The huge diversity of the students, from rich Americans to LEA funded kids like myself.

I really do feel that it made me a far better person than five years in a red brick grammar school in Worcester would ever have done.

Chris Perks,
Worcestershire, 2001.