Phyllis lived opposite the King William Pub in Tunley; passed the 11+ and transferred to Midsomer Norton Grammar School along with Bob Holbrook. She subsequently went on to University. These are her memories of Timsbury Primary School.
I remember Mr Blake telling us not to leave rubbish around the place. He talked about having a sweet and popping it in his mouth and the wrapper in his pocket until he found a rubbish bin – and demonstrating the whole thing.
Remember how cold the weather was when we actually took the 11+ – the toilets across the yard were frozen – the rest of the school had time off as a result. The folding doors were open between the three classrooms with the coke stoves going full pelt. We were given hot drinks during the tests to keep us vaguely warm.
Mr Blake taught us country dancing and we went to Taunton for a day doing it. There was also a programme on the Home Service on a Friday – I think – organised by Home service from Bristol and hosted by a man called Bernard Fishwick which visited the Secondary School as it was then. We took part – country dancing on the radio has always brought a smile to people’s faces when I mention it. You had to get your enjoyment from somewhere back then. When winter came, we often had amazing slides in the yard – just like glass. We used to get taken to the Church for various services. Timsbury Church was quite high church – the priest used to waft the incense about and ring a bell – very different from the one at Dunkerton. The girls used to do embroidery with Mrs Young. I do not know what the boys got up to at the same time.
We used to catch the bus from Tunley at first which only went as far as Timsbury at about 7.45 am and took the 3.45 pm bus back from the Square. I once thought it was time to go home – but realised after a while I was an hour early as no one else turned up and went back to school! I think my mother was involved in getting a coach laid on to take us, at least, in the morning for a small fee each. I wonder whether there was the beginning of a PTA then.
We did spend a bit of time playing rounders and taking part in athletics.
I remember Mr Anstis taking us in the top class with our black daps suspended from the ceiling on one of those racks people have in their farmhouse kitchen for drying clothes. I can’t remember other teachers’ names except Mr Millier who played the piano, I think.