Courtesy of Trevor Day - 1955 to '58

In reference to Teachers, two not previously mentioned on the website were, Mr 'Dot Thomas (History) who was a diminutive figure and sat on the desk, and Mr Baxter (RI). Mr Lucas and Mr Whittick were both respected. Mr Burton had a nickname of 'Worz' (as in Worzel), as well as 'Gonfora'. Mr Turner took us for R.I. in our final year, but was quick to assess there was not much interest and taught sex ed. instead (Respect!). I agree with other comments regards Mr Bisset and Mr 'Nippy' Williams, although Mr Sharp was generally disliked by our class.

During our first year, it was a mixed school. In the second year the High School (Marlow Hill) was completed. The school in Benjamin Road was vacated & the girls left the Tech to form Lady Verney.

In year 1A we made a T-Square for use in Tech Drawing. I also made a drop leaf table before choosing metalwork.

Our final year classroom was top front left (on approach), where a couple of memorable pranks were performed. A pupil’s satchel was put over the top of the revolving blackboard which was fixed across a corner. The owner obtained a screwdriver to unfix the blackboard in order to retrieve his satchel. Once he was behind the blackboard, the others then re-fixed it, trapping the hapless student behind it. A chair was lifted over for him to sit out the next lesson - Geography by 'Bogey' Bateman. He drew a map of North America with ref. to regions for wheat, cattle, oil etc. Revolving the board to write about the above & then rolling back to refer to the map, only to find some alterations had been made and he never figured out how this had been achieved.

The classroom had a number pulleys in the ceiling. A figure was made & weighted, using the pulleys it hung over the teacher’s desk, it was lowered when he sat and raised when he stood. Unfortunately our class had a half glazed divider. The class next door saw what was happening causing much merriment alerting their teacher, hence we were found out.

The mid to late 50's was the era of 'Rock & Roll' and I could not miss the opportunity to see Bill Haley at the Dominion Tottenham Court Road. All our class purchased tickets & arranged for a coach to pick us up front of school. This required us asking for time off which was refused but we were not going to be denied. We were in trouble the following day but all felt it was worth it.

Despite the above, time at the 'Tech' was enjoyable, well spent and skills learnt. Unfortunately no class photo records were made during my time at the Tech. Our class made an award to the 'Teacher of the year', generally a toaster. We were given a leaving party & learnt that this award was most sought after by the staff.

On leaving, I played football for Tech Old Boys in local leagues including a tour of Belgium & Holland. When there was a change of 'Head' we found ourselves locked out of the playing field (now John Hampden G. S.). It transpired he was a rugby man and Tech Old Boys were forced to disband.