Happy Days

A Memory of Markham.

Janet Craddock, went to Markham school, left in 1965 to go Blackwood secondary for a year, then onto Pontllanfraith Grammar when left in 1973

Lived in Berllanlwyd Avenue with my sister Heather who still lives in Blackwood. Staff in Markham I recall were Mrs Powell in infants who taught me to read, and Mr Pembry in juniors who when retired was a volunteer who drove my mother to her hospital appointments.

I recall vividly PE lessons in lines getting the timing right, learning tables with dedicated and hard working staff. I loved school. Best friend was Pam Thomas who sadly passed away very young.

Dad went to the 'top club' Sunday mornings and my uncle Frank called bingo at the institute, where I also did trampolining. Hung out at youth club and outside the sweet shop next door to post office.

Left Markham to go to Uni in Liverpool and returned to teach in Cardiff for 30 years. Lucky to be offered voluntary redundancy in 2004 and retired to Cyprus in 2006. Returned in January of this year as grand children pulled at the heart strings and I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. All is well, received excellent treatment in Cyprus and am thriving. Living in Newport near Tredegar Park with my wonderful man. Life is sweet.

Am starting to recall names of old friends with the help of my sister who is good at keeping in touch. Would love to hear from anyone out there,

Jan