I started at Tollerton County Primary in 1960 and was then Helen McDonald. I remember settling in easily thanks to the friendly but disciplined ethos of the school, steered of course by Mrs Gretton. She was always caring and approachable whilst also being quite strict. She inspired my love of classical music with morning assemblies always starting with a piece which was explained before entering the hall on a small blackboard on a music stand. They all made sense then to someone so small!

I loved every minute of my time there, ending up being Captain of Beech House. Each house had planters in the courtyard outside the main hall and the captains could sit on chairs in assemblies not on the hall floor. What an honour that felt.

Happy memories, I even take a trip up Tollerton Lane where I lived and past the school if I am in the area, which isn’t very often. It will always feel like home to me.

Kind regards to all her family.

Helen