Ice caper left our head over heels

SEEinG the vintage picture of schoolboys having fun in an icy playground ( Mail) brought back happy memories of the slide we made at school in 1947. All of us lads queued up to take our turn. We ran up, put one foot in front of the other, struck a pose for balance and then jumped off at the end. it was great fun! our headmaster, Mr Westaway, who was a good sort and was respected by everyone, came across and watched with interest until declaring he would like a go. We offered him a position at the head of the queue, but he declined, saying he would take his turn. this probably gave him time to see how it was done. it also gave most of the other children in the playground the chance to rush over and watch. Mr Westaway took off in great style but, halfway along, lost his balance and ended up spread-eagled face down. When he stood up, his suit and shoulders were covered in snow. i still remember the neat pile of snow on top of his nose. he just brushed himself down and laughed about it. that day, he went from being our favourite teacher to being our absolute hero!

Brian Smith, Kings Langley, Herts.