Riddle of mystery Newcastle school picture is solved - thanks to headteacher
WHICH Newcastle school is this?
For whatever reason, back in the mists of time, our photograph had been incorrectly captioned as Ravenswood Junior School, Heaton, Newcastle, 1969.
We asked people to correctly identify the “mystery” location.
Many thanks to all those who go in touch when we asked the question recently.
One of those was the headteacher of the said school, Mike Howard.
Mike pointed out: “If you’re not already aware, the school featured in the Chronicle with the boys playing football is Cragside Primary in High Heaton. I think the photograph dates from the 1970s.
“Coincidentally, the school is currently celebrating its 80th anniversary and we’ve been hosting visits for ex-pupils from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.
“The children had a great time re-living a school day 1937-style, with drill sessions in the yard, handwriting lessons and mince and tatties for dinner. In the afternoon, we had needlework, dancing and a Vera Lynn-style concert.”
Past pupils from the early years of the school were interviewed by groups of current children, and their stories and memories used to create a specially commissioned film to mark the anniversary.
Around 30 of the school’s first pupils attended the film premiere, and were delighted to re-visit their old school, some 70 years on.
Alan Sidney-Wilmot, a past pupil who still lives close to the school, said: “The children’s work and film were excellent – it brought back so many memories for us.”
Mike added: “The anniversary film about Cragside and High Heaton in the late 1930s and early 1940s will soon be available for viewing on the school’s website – and there are more photos of Cragside past and present on the school blog.” ■■Visit www. cragsideprimary.org