Picking up the thread started by my brother, Robert, there was also the school lunch requirement that you ate at least a small portion of everything being served, the one exception being the annual Christmas lunch.  So, there were no fussy eaters coming out of Tollerton.  And that in itself has proved a useful discipline in adult life, particularly when being served with something which you really would prefer not to eat, but cannot reasonably excuse yourself from so doing.  It also provides me with the excuse for not eating sprouts with Christmas dinner.

And do others remember the school hall, and its polished floor?  As children we were only allowed into the hall wearing our plimsolls.  As a further protective measure, there used to be that little notice in the main entrance doorway, asking mothers who might be wearing stiletto heels not to walk on the hall floor.  So, there were some boundaries for the parents as well!  

As children we were wary of Mrs Gretton and we did know exactly where we stood, which is surely what children at that age need?  But at the same time there wasn't a child in the school who didn't seek her approval and favour.  And that is quite a rare combination to inspire.  Although we wouldn't have realised it at the time, she did inspire us, we did look up to her, and we did pick up a great deal from her. They were happy days.

Gareth Robinson (1965-1971)