Memories: Ngaire Anderson (Vossler)

I attended Stratford Primary School from 1925 to 1932.

When I started the infant school was in the old building, Cloton Road side of property.

My first teacher was Miss Martin assisted by Pupil teacher Miss Doris Callaghan. Later my teacher was Miss Elley (Mrs Chadwick).

When in primers, we had ‘toothbrush drill’. Each child had a toothbrush and mug and were given salt water and shown how to brush their teeth. Also a medical exam by Dr. Gunn, probably every 2 – 3 years.

In Standard 1 I was taught by Mrs Anderson. She spent many years teaching that class and I think probably in the same room in the original wooden building in the main school (on Fenton Street). She was a ‘no nonsense’ teacher but did a very good job.

Standard 2, saw Miss Hetty Lindup (later Mrs Farqhar), a sweet gentle lady; Standard 3 Miss Findlay; Standard 4 Mr Morrison (Lofty). I still remember poems he taught us. Standard 5 Miss Richie, with thick fuzzy hair and a temper that went with it. No such a thing as no hitting or where we got hit. Standard 6 Mr Tunnicliffe, what a great year and what a great teacher. I enjoyed S.P.S. but Standard 6 was the highlight. I’m sure we learnt because we wanted to learn and were so encouraged by this man. Overseeing all this was Mr Furrie. Respected and loved by most of the children, he knew us all, and to be sent to show good work to him was the greatest reward. The stamp put on the back of the hand was ‘washed around’ for days.

The ‘cocoa shed’ in the grounds was used for many things and mainly as a lunch venue. This was the domain of Mr Rowson caretaker. Much respected by the children. Also maker of the ‘cocoa’ 1 penny a cup.

The Fancy Dress Ball. This was held annually in the town hall. For weeks before we had dance time learning folk dances. There were all kinds of costumes: cowboys, fairies, pirates, queens etc etc. My father was for many years on the School Committee and took his place, at the door to the back of stage ushering the classes in turn to supper. The wives spent the day making sandwiches, cakes, fruit jellies etc. and Mrs Furrie decorated the tables beautifully with vases of flowers.

A number of my school mates attended the school right through; Hugh Thomson, Eileen Callaghan, Pat Vellers, Neville Turnball, Myrtle Sorenson, Hilda Russ, Eljean Aitken (?), Davina Bird, Percy Vincent, Kay Petrie, Owen Masters, Gwen Whittlestone, Fred Lindup, Anna Morrison, Joyce Voght, Thelma Burgess, Hazel Femmell, Nancy Pratt, were some I remember in my class.

Maybe some of this will help you with your Jubilee preparation. Best wishes for a happy reunion.