Hello Steve. Thanks for your welcome to the school web-site. Although I was a pupil for only a short time, I have some fond memories of my time there and am glad to share them with you.

I Joined the 2nd form in Sept.1944. 'Duke' Wetherall was my form-master and French tutor. I chose Italian as my second language but I cannot remember his name. The website was no help, but I recollect he had lost the use of an arm. By far my most vivid memory is of 'Spike'(naturally). We liked the way he could be prevailed upon to interrupt the history lesson with a ghost story! I well remember his delight in telling the story of 'The Old Man of Coniston' and scaring the pants off us. How he loved to ratchet up the horror; he was a born actor!

One day, I turned up wearing my first pair of long trousers. He was quick to spot the opportunity for a bit of fun. I was called to the front of the class who were told that "Willett's trousers must be christened"! Pulling out a plimsoll from his desk, he gave me a couple of light whacks on the backside and declared them "well and truly christened". Laughter all round and another example of his wonderful sense of humour.

Unfortunately I cannot remember many names of my fellow pupils (it was a long time ago). I recollect a Dewsnap in my class, and playing football alongside a Blenkinsop. Playing football was a real novelty to me; my school in Barking was strictly rugby. We weren't even allowed to kick a tennis ball around the playground. This insistence on rugby excellence has paid off. The Park Modern Old Boys RFC became a successful club in the south-east. Now, as Barking RFC, it is fourth in  National League, Div2.

I have news of another Old Firparnian; Tom Maltby. He and I were colleagues in the 1960s,when we worked in the Ford Motor Company's Manufacturing Engineering office. It came up in conversation that we both attended FPGS. At a guess, he was about 5/6 years older than me, which puts him in the Class of 1935. After leaving school, he joined the Merchant Navy. During this time he became a Jehovah's Witness, left the Navy and joined Ford. He was a very devout Witness and you can imagine the heated discussions during tea-breaks! Eventually, he decided his calling was to be a full-time Minister, gave up a well paid career and returned, I think ,to Yorkshire. I know nothing more of him.

It was either the school or an enlightened council that offered cheap student tickets for orchestral concerts at City Hall. These instilled in me my life-long love of music. I have vivid memories of sitting behind the Hallé Orchestra, mesmerised by John Barbirolli's impassioned conducting. So much so, I thought I'll be conductor when I grow up (no engine driving for me!). In fact, I retired as a Senior Production Engineer! Well, we can all dream!

Steve, I've enjoyed putting these memories on record and I hope that they have added something to the School's excellent web-site.

Regards, Ted Willett (19.02.06)