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Chesham Stories

Bill (William) Reynolds - School in the 1940s

Bill, known as Billy during his childhood, was born in 1938. He started school at the age of four and a half at Waterside Infants. He was living in Wey Lane with his mother and paternal grandmother whilst his father was in the Army. Two evacuees, older than Bill, lived with them for a while. One came from Watford, the other from London. Mothers took it in turns to walk the children to school. After the family moved to Bellingdon Road, Bill's mother went with him through the park to meet up with other children walking to school. As it was wartime, double summertime was in operation, in order to maximise daylight for the farmers. He remembers walking through the avenue of elms in the park and seeing the moon shining through the trees.

Teachers Bill remembers were Miss Saunders in the first year. She came from Rickmansworth by train. Mrs Jackman took the second years and Kitty Baker, the Headmistress, taught the third years. Bill was left-handed and his mother was concerned but his teacher advised her not to try and 'correct' this. P.E. [physical education] was performed out doors. Bill has warm memories of weekly storytimes and particularly remembers Miss Saunders reading 'Wind in the Willows' in its entirety. He was totally absorbed and looked forward eagerly to the next instalment. Bill joined the school band and tried a variety of instruments including the drums. Concerts and plays were performed each end of term in Christchurch hall.

Bill (William) Reynolds

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