Pamphlet1

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This pamphlet was distributed to all who attended the 21st reunion in 1987. The following pages contain reminiscences and notes by Mr Hayes, Arthur Wilmot, Kate Watkins and Nigel Woodford.

Drawing by Angela Smith (Guest)

LOOKING BACK WITH GREEN FINGERS

It has been suggested that a few notes on what I have done since retiring from King Edmund's in July 1971 would be of interest. In that time I have never been in the position of looking for something to do; on the other hand, I have frequently wondered how I found time to go to work.
When I addressed the school on my last morning, I said one priority was to go to the Chelsea Flower Show. This had never been possible because it always took place during the school term. I fulfilled this wish the following year, and have been on several occasions since. My own garden and greenhouse have provided me with much pleasurable work, and I have enjoyed visiting many gardens open to the public.
Two or three years ago I read in the local paper that pupils of King Edmunds were commencing Nature Conservation work in the neighbourhood. My mind went back to those good lads who had brought credit to the school by putting in literally hundreds of man/hours with me at Conservation tasks all over Gloucestershire for some years

before my retirement. Not only that, but some continued for several years afterwards. I'm not going to name names, but if you recognise yourself, stand up and say to your children, "I was one of those".

I have beside me as I write, the book on the English Lakeland presented to me in appreciation by those 9 boys who spent Easter 1965 by the side of Coniston Water and I remember with pride and gratitude the impression they made on the staff there, by their conduct, attitude to work and pleasant co-operation.

One of the things in which I became interested after retirement was Archaeology. I took a course at 'A' level, and worked on "digs" at Farleigh Castle, Chippenham, Bradford-on-Avon, Langley Burrell and Marshfield. When a Farm Museum opened in the village, I volunteered to help, and spent a lot of time acting as a guide to conducted parties, especially of school children, as well as assisting in a general way. Unfortunately the owner had to close this project down because of other commitments.

In 1979 I was one of a small group who founded a local History Society in the village, and this still continues to attract some 50 members. Genealogy has also become an interest of mine. Besides working on my own "family tree", I have helped a number of friends with theirs, in addition to searching our own parish registers in order to answer queries which have been received by the vicar and churchwardens. This work has taken me to the Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Bristol