Post Box Stories

Here are a few of the Stories that have been collected in the post box over the summer.

"An interesting time spent as governor, during the early years of independent management. I was involved with personnel, premises as well as taking a special interest in geography teaching. At the age of 50 years, I tried to make a come back as a basketball player, whilst playing for staff versus pupils. Lacking fitness, I struggled, and now content myself with refereeing."
Former Governor and Parent

"Damage to school in 1987 hurricane. Students who did make it to school that morning helping to catch the rabbits that had escaped that night. Willingdon really did become “Willingdon Community School” that day. We learnt about many feelings that day concern for other people, shock, community spirit, destruction, rebuilding to name but a few all at the tender age of 13."
Former Student

"I remember our epic journey to North Wales for our geology/geography field trip 1987. We were all crammed into an ancient yellow minibus with our luggage piled high around our ears (no seat belts in those days!) With a top speed of around 49 miles per hour (downhill), it took a tortuous 9 hours! At one point we had to pull over on the motorway to mend a puncture. The week in Wales turned out to be a fantastic experience!"
Former Student

"In recent times I’ve been lucky enough to be amongst the first to see and hear about exciting and innovative arts projects at the school in my capacity as a journalist - but my alternative memory is of playing Stoolball in the playing field two years ago. I dropped a catch, batted really badly and my sister was hit in the face fielding a ball….but I think we won – so in one way at least it is a warm memory."
Wider Community

"I am a passionate arsenal fan! In 2006 arsenal were in the Champion’s League final in Paris. Our head is a Spurs supporter and he agreed to authorise leave for me to go to the final if I could get tickets ( not allowed in term time usually)…….generously?.......sorry no! He wanted me to be there when Arsenal lost their dream!! And he was right!......we lost! I write this so students can read about the ‘human’ side to teachers!! x"
Teacher

"Have been here for over 20 years now I have many stories to tell but the one that stands out is the great storm of ‘87. Oct 16th 1987. Arriving at the school I saw damage everywhere smashed windows parts of roof in the playground etc. So for the next few days myself and the other caretakers (J Stanley) were clearing up the rubbish, removing debris from the school building and as there were holes in the Gym roof moping up the gym of water by sending the water down the stairs to save the gym floor and the rooms below from being flooded. I have a certificate of recognition for my efforts hanging in my office, which was presented to me in front of the whole school."
Support Staff

"In my first term at the school as Headteacher I was invited to go in the lead group on the sponsored walk. It was a foggy morning on the downs and on our was to butts brow my group were so lost that we never made the first checkpoint and in the end walked 12 miles rather than the planned 10. An inauspicious start as a Headteacher!!"
Staff

"One evening on a hot and--------night we were industriously involved in upholstering techniques. Unexpectedly the coffee-break bell started ringing, again and again. So absorbed were we in our activities that no one wanted a break. We carried on. Later we saw groups of people outside and realised that it was the fire bell…
….but we are all still here unsinged!!"
Adult Education Student

Do you have a story or memory of the school that you would like to share? It is not too late to add your own. Just post it in the comments section bleow. You can do this anonymously or add your name and your connection to the school!