MEMORIES OF ST JOHNS 1921-1931

My Auntie Winifred enjoyed writing down her memories in the form of poems. In the poem below she relates her time at St Johns School, Kingsley between the years of 1921-1931. Written in February 2000 to mark the arrival of the new bell. (See photo of Auntie Win in earlier blog called Dear Auntie Win)

The 'Big Bell' rang out loud and clear
Warning pupils far and near,
Hurry along and get into line
Before the 'Little Bell' rings at nine.

Miss Gertrude Hague led the Infants in,
their daily lessons to begin.
March round the room singing ABC
learning the alphabet, tunefully.

With needles and wool we were taught how to knit
dropped a few stitches and cried quite a bit.
On, Over, Through and Off, Pearl and Plain,
Cast On, Cast Off, again and again.

Friday afternoons brought a special treat
something sweet to take home to eat.
Treacle toffee - too good to forget
made by Miss Hague- the best ever yet.

Miss Davies taught classes 1 and 2
was also the sewing mistress who scared a few!
Tack and Hem, Seam and fell
Embroidery stitches we learnt as well.

Be careful - don't break your cotton or thread
Or Lizzie's thimble will be felt on your head.
Make stitches small, keep your work clean
and at Kingsley show your skills will be seen.

With cardboard money to buy and sell,
Copper coloured - silver as well
Pennies - 240 to the pound
Halfpennies, not farthings, all made round.

Threepenny bit, sixpence, one shilling and two,
Two shillngs and sixpence all coins we knew.
Commonly called, but not by the scholars
Threepenny Joey, Tanner, Bob, Florin and Half Dollars.

Mrs Dodd taught classes 3 and 4.
Introduced handwork not known before.
Raffia and canvas the girls had their share
Making shopping bags, handbags and slippers to wear.
The boys worked with cane, in differnet ways,
Making teapot stands, plant pots and a variety of trays.

Mr Whincup taught Classes 5 and 6 next door
To where I was sent, having skipped Class 4.
One special memory of Class 5 to remain
Is of Mr Whincup and his threatening cane.


Mr Whincup talked of Canada, the land that he knew.
Alberta, Winnipeg, he raved about too.
Of Prairies and wheatfields he spoke every day.
We became bored, knowing what he would say.


From Standard 5 to the Headmaster's class.
Standard 6 I skipped - another bypass
10 years of age, quite young to be
in Standard 7, with pupils older than me.


Mr Davenport, the Headmaster, had recently left
he was greatly loved and earned much respect.
In village activities so much involved
the problem of replacement - not easily solved.


Mr Robinson - a 'temp', a huge man but a dear,
Then Mr Roberts who stayed only one year.
Mr Williams then came - settled in right away
We were delighted to know that he intended to stay.


Lessons were interesting, we understood
From Mr Williams, who explained all he could.
Playing fields, gardening, all kinds of sport,
Cricket, football, netball, everything taught.


Dear St Johns - such happy days -
Much to be thankful for in so many ways.
May the 'New Bell' ring out reviving the past
And to present day scholars - happy memores to last.