Not
so much memories:
School to me was a necessary evil.
I went, I suffered, I looked forward to leaving.
When it came to sports the only
thing I ever took part in and nearly shone was the slow cycle race. The Bede
champion (Alan Purdy) of course always beat me into first place or should that
be last place? Never mind there was always football that was until Ron Niven ran
rings round me at the house trials. (All is forgiven Ron).
At my first School Christmas
Party, in the quaint terminology of the time I took Noreen Gutteridge into
supper. It must have had a profound effect on Noreen as she transferred to the
Grammar School after that. I think it was Miss Davis who said I would never get
anywhere with my two left feet! Yet 20years later I was a Gold Medallist in
Ballroom Dancing.
Music I quite enjoyed and vaguely
remember being tested for violins, only to be told later that they were not
affordable. Not the same feeling with recorders.
Art was fascinating but why did Mr
Johnson always say my pictures were different! Was I ahead of my time in style a
budding Picasso? Not really, I discovered some years later I was colour-blind.
Maths I liked and many tales have
already been told of Mr Casey and his wall game. Handcraft was my favourite
particularly Metalwork. That is to say after Mr.Troup took over from Archie
Campbell. Tech Drawing another
favourite.
Science was not my favourite and I
remember being one of two in the first year who got less than 5/10 for a piece
on Sir Humphrey Davies and his lamp. First time I was caned – still remember
that vividly. My handwriting at this stage
was very poor and Archie took time and patience to help me improve. We developed
a mutual respect after this. Met him and Olly Overton some years after leaving
school and had a pint with them in the Vigilant near the Nook.
Through Keith Anderson I became
friends with the caretaker. These friends in high places helped me to explore
the school attic, filthy and fascinating. This was my forte – up to the eyes
in muck not books.
My apprenticeship at Parsons Marine almost helped me avoid the Dreaded National Service. Sea trials (commissioning new ships) were the highlight and I determined to join the Merchant Navy but my job offer on the Queen Mary was withdrawn when they discovered my colour-blindness.
A broken nose from a cycle
accident and, later, an encounter on a zebra crossing with a speeding van, did
not prevent my country needing me for National Service. The insurance payout
from the latter crash did pay for a beautiful engagement ring.
Instead of the Spitfire, parked at
the RAF camp gates, they gave me a Caterpillar bulldozer to drive. A dumper
truck fitted with a Morris Minor gearbox in reverse was my downfall. I had a job
vital to the nations security --- emptying latrines on a remote site. Jumped
into seat, slipped clutch, switched engine on, put into first gear, (or so I
thought) let out clutch. Truck reversed suddenly and contents reversed even
faster, I was showered with contents……………..!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was fine
after three days showers and injections. Things
could only get better. I was chosen for route linings in London. I welcomed the
King of Nepal. I bade farewell to Churchill.
Rather than Married Quarters, we
chose to live at the Manor, Haddenham, Isle of Ely. Our landlord , a barrister,
defended one of the Great Train Robbers who got 14 years. Andrew,
our eldest son was born at RAF Ely Hospital where all the cocooned babies were
laid on their left sides for Matron’s Inspection!
In civvy street once more, I started as a Design Engineer with Black & Decker. I travelled for them to many countries in Europe, Middle East, Far East, and USA. I spent five years at Flymo, after being head hunted, during which time I had the privilege of meeting the Duke of Kent, and Raymond Baxter.
Returning back to Black and Decker
I retired after a further 29 years with them.
Our second son was born just prior
to my joining Black & Decker. During this time Lynne (my wife), as a
qualified teacher, ran a pre-school playgroup.
In my early days back in civvy
street I was a Parish Councillor on one of the largest Parish Councils in the UK
(21 Councillors).
As the boys grew older both Lynne
and I were involved in Scouting, and Cycling Proficiency as ROSPA Examiners.
Prior to the advent of CB Radio I
qualified as a Radio Amateur (Ham) call sign G8PNO (which I still retain today)
and was secretary of the local club.
My computing interests were born
from our boys at school and indeed as they both obtained Hons. Degrees in that
field they are still teaching me.
Leisure and travel for some 14
years was mainly cruising the Mediterranean, Canary Isles, Baltic, and
Scandinavia. One special cruise which Lynne arranged as a surprise for our 25thn
Anniversary was a luxury cruise to the Hebrides. Later
holidays to S.Africa/Botswana/Zimbabwe, and China including a 5 days cruise on
Yangtze. The Great Dam is spectacular and will displace 1.2m people when
completed.
The reunion in October 2003
suggested to me that sufficient people were interested in keeping JCS and its
memories alive. Future communications would possibly be the problem so why not a
website? After discussing with Lance & George the merits of such a venture
it was decided I would put a site together as a trial. Time has, I believe,
proved its worth.
Present Activities
Mainly centred around computing
and attending U3A Lectures.
Considering my shyness at school it is now great to meet and talk to pupils of that era I have more interest in JCS now than I ever had then.
Colin Carter
1949 -1953