Dear Editor

Clairville House, which used to be a high school, lies just a short way south of Ross-on-Wye town centre, occupying a corner position at the junction of Old Maids Walk and Copse Cross Street.

I met up recently with Rita Lacey, who in 1946 at the age of 12, started at the High School. We talked about old times and it seemed nothing had changed in the following two years when myself, Daphne Toner (Taylor), and Primrose Ballinger (Lewis) started at the age of 15 in 1948. We were to remain until at the age of 15 when the school closed.

Those who wanted to take their GCSE, as it was then, either had to go to Hereford or Gloucester Tehnical College.

The kindergarten and first year classroom was a wooden building in the garden known as ‘The Hut’. The next two forms were held in the upper room of St Mary’s Church Hall, and then three classes in the actual house. The large downstairs room, was the dining room and the smaller one (Miss Johnson’s room) was also used at meal times. 12 pupils were allowed to sit with her and it was classed as a treat.

Kitchen staff were Mrs Hart, who lived in Camp Road, and Mrs Bishop, who lived in Upton Bishop.

Miss Morling and Miss Johnson lived at the school, along with a few boarders who were girls. She took boys up to the age of 11-years-old and girls up to 15-years-old.

Teachers that we can recall with fond memories include Mrs B. B. I don’t remember ever knowing her real name, but she took the infants in the hut. There was a big cast iron stove in the corner which was made up frequently in winter to keep us warm.

Mrs Smith, Mrs Drinkwater, Madam, who taught French, Mrs Pask, Mrs Marshall and Marlene who was a pupil and went on to teach dancing.

We had P.E in what is now the bowls club, and played netball and rounders in the field next door. We played tennis on the existing courts. If it was too wet for the field we walked round the Prospect. The hall of the old army camp, which I believe may now be used for snooker, was where we put on shows and a panto for parents at Christmas.

We entered the Choir competitions in Hereford for all the local schools and I can remember winning once.

This has brought back so many happy memories.

Daphne Toner

Gorsley