THIS week in Down Memory Lane we look at the 60th anniversary of the opening of Tyrrell Heath Infant and Junior School – you will know it as Woodside Primary.
It was opened on April 28, 1952, with the increased population due to the Woodside Estate, between Hangman’s Wood and Tyrrells Heath Wood and the Blackshot Park Estates being built.
Very soon the similar name of the new secondary school next door called Torells already opened in September 1951 and Tyrrell caused confusion and in 1957 the infant and juniors were renamed Woodside and in 1962 formed in to a primary school.
This week the school is celebrating its diamond anniversary and on Friday the whole school is recreating life in the 1950s with 1950s style school cloths and a post war school meal.
I have fond memories of the school as I attended it, as did my brother and sister in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
I remember Miss McNally, the headteacher, but more fondly teachers like Mrs Able and Mr Carlton Darrel. There was also John Burns, the caretaker, always a friendly face around the school.
My obvious impression on returning to visit the school is how small it seems now – has it shrunk, or have I got taller?!
My featured photograph is an aerial one showing the infant and junior school in early 1950.
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