Christchurch Primary School Vale Road Tunbridge Wells

A Memory of Tunbridge Wells.

I went to school here, 1958-1964 there exist photos of the school but so far none with the Frith Collection. The school was opposite Central Station in Vale Road and resembled a large shoebox with small extensions at either end with a forecourt (playground) before it and this behind a substantial brick wall and blue double gates for vehicular access and a side gate for pedestrians.

I have vivid memories of my attendance here and they were some of the happiest of my life, at the time of my schooling there were 105 - 118 pupils the teachers ? Headmaster Mr Dowset Infants (class 4) Miss Cox Intermediate (class 3) Mrs Weaver, Main (class 2), Miss Pashley and Class 1 was taken by Mr Dowset

It was a golden time in my education for all these people were kindly, attentive and well disposed to their charges especially Mrs Weaver of whom I have the fondest memories, She was both maternal and paternal excersising the most scrupulous fairness and discipline tempered with concern that we should all be seen to do well.

The school overlooked Central Station which for a young chap held rather too much distraction and the clouds of steam were an endless fascination as were the Thumpers - nickname for the mainline Charing Cross to Hastings diesels.

I also remember vividly the school crossing gentleman Mr Manton who was extremely well regarded.

I would love it if anyone has memories to share or indeed anyone who also attended'

Paul Randolph Welsby