|
|
|
The great divide in old school The age of division in education …Clive Bellamy, of Darley Abbey remembers when classrooms of 2X and 2A in the Central School in Darley Park were separated by a large, ceiling-high, hinged divider. “Everyday this would be opened and on alternate days half of the school, about 200 boys, would crowd into one large room to congregate among 60 desks for morning assembly. The staff would stand on the ‘Stage’ – a wooden platform at the back of 2X. Here, with hymn books resting on the boy in front, and Bert Fossey on the piano in the corner, the school day began. “Among other memories, art was taken by Joe Hawksby, who wore a blue beret, in what is to this day the Darley Tea rooms. At that time the room was fronted by a conservatory complete with palm tree, potted plants and a vine. There was one sink and a cold tap. “The sports facilities had a novel touch. A 25-minute walk through the village to Darley Fields was necessary before we could even get changed to play foorball or cricket. There was absolutely no athletics or sports day except the annual winter cross-country over the field to Ford Lane and back. PE, or physical training as it was called then, was outside on the park in summer, with views of the river, but no other facilities. “Many memories lie with the old Central School. Of course we enjoyed our new abode when it came, but I definitely remember having tears in my eyes as a somewhat defiant ‘skull and crossbones’ was raised on the flagstaff during our last day of residence. There cannot be many who have such a colourful memory of their closing day at school.” Derby Evening Telegraph, Feb 19th, 1991 - Bygones |