Current pupils recently enjoyed a fascinating journey through the school’s history when four alumni from different eras returned for a History Society Q&A session. Sharing memories spanning four decades, the panel reflected on everything from school routines and favourite subjects to sport, societies and memorable teachers, offering students a unique insight into how school life has evolved over the years.
Representing former pupils from the 1950s through to the 1990s, we were delighted to welcome Bryan Shingler (LGS 1956) and Roger Webber (LGS 1965), alongside staff members and fellow old boys Martyn Gidley (LGS 1987) and Dan Murphy (LGS 1996).
The discussion began with memories of a typical school day. Bryan and Roger recalled Saturday school and Wednesday afternoons devoted to sport. None of our alumni, however, had access to the playing fields at Quorn as these did not exist. Instead, games took place at the Ten Acre, reached by a walk from school. Dan remembered that journey rather less fondly, recalling encounters with local lads along the way! Martyn added that pupils were not allowed on the field or to use large footballs, so football with cricket balls on the asphalt became the preferred alternative. Another treasured memory of the school day was the privilege of being chosen to ring the school bell, a task reserved for well-behaved pupils.
When asked about their favourite subjects, History proved very popular among the panel. Roger spoke about the importance of looking back in order to look forward. Unsurprisingly, Martyn’s clear favourite was PE, although in his first year, lessons were held in the Art Block because the Sports Hall wasn’t built until 1981.. He also paid tribute to his history teacher, Mr Griffiths, who had a big impact, telling him he believed that one day he would become a teacher himself! Dan, despite now teaching history, revealed that his favourite subject at school was Art.
The conversation then turned to extra-curricular clubs. We discovered that our panel were the founders of some clubs, with Brian founding Bible Club and Roger founding Stamp Club. Dan recalled a Modern Railway Club in The Stables and a Signals Club, although his interest centred on outdoor activities such as Cricket, Rugby, CCF, Scouts and DofE. Martyn noted that school sports were particularly strong during his time, for example there were four cricket teams. He also credited his cricket coach, Mr Weitzel, who transformed him from a fast bowler into a swing bowler, a change that ultimately influenced his later career.
All four alumni spoke about the pride associated with representing the school in sport. Dan noted that many of the sporting rivals, including Trent and Notts High, were as important then as they are today. Bryan and Roger recalled swimming lessons in the open-air, unheated pool, which was often full of frogs and weeds! This led Dan to share an entertaining story from his Fairfield days, when repeatedly “forgetting” his swimming kit eventually resulted in him being given a spare costume – which turned out to be a girls’ swimsuit. Dan wore it pulled up to his waist, but unfortunately, when he jumped in, the costume was no longer on! His unfortunate dive into the pool left him red-faced but provided plenty of laughter for the audience.
The panel also reflected on the succession of Headmasters and the evolution of the House system. Bryan had been taught under Mr Pullinger and Mr Garstang; Roger also had Mr Garstang and Mr Walter; whilst Martyn had Mr Milward, known as Mr Hench, followed by Mr Ireland, who also taught Dan. House names had changed significantly over time, from the earlier North, East, South and West to the later six-house system of School, Briggs, Colgrove, Kaye, Turner and Wallace.
One question the pupils were particularly keen to ask was whether the alumni had ever been in trouble at school. Bryan admitted that on two occasions he was sent to Mr Pullinger’s office in G3 for the cane!
Dan also spoke about a long-standing tradition that he feared was fading away – the inventive nicknames given to teachers, which he encouraged current pupils to keep alive.
The old boys also came for lunch and agreed that, although the food has improved over the years, it was still very good in their days. Martyn shared how they also had the much-loved Friday chip day, while Roger recalled forms taking it in turns to serve lunch and the mischievous tradition of pouring gravy on the hand of someone you didn’t particularly like! Bryan even sang us a calypso-style song written by a classmate about the school dinners!
The session concluded with the panel sharing advice for today’s pupils. All four offered a similar message: get involved, work hard and make the most of the many opportunities available nowadays. The more you put into school life, the more you will gain from it. Roger added one final piece of wisdom – don’t worry too much about the future; simply do your best each day.
A huge thank you to Bryan, Roger, Martyn and Dan for taking the time to share their memories and experiences with our pupils. Their stories provided a wonderful reminder that while school life may change, the friendships, opportunities and lessons that shape our pupils endure across generations. We hope this has brought memories of your school days flooding back. We would love to hear all about them!
