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John Handy, born 1904, remembers.
Whaggs Lane as a mud track with very few houses, following his older sister to the Parochial School when she returned from lunch and the teacher allowing him to sit in a corner of the classroom, a large space divided by chairs into two classes.
Starting his school life officially at the new primary school on Front Street in 1910 and his sister joining him there.
Seeing Dr. Andy Smith riding his horse to visit patients.
Yearly visits to the culvert near Duckpool Lane to see young foxes, also seeing ducks on the pond.
Wandering freely on Gibside and Ravensworth Estates.
Making bats and balls with which to play cricket.
Playing football in winter with local lads in the Junior Football League and on one occasion with the Queen Mother on one of her visits to Gibside!
Royalty regularly visiting Gibside, travelling from Newcastle Central Station by coach.
Wearing clogs during the First World War.
Playing Knocky Door Neighbour and Jack Shine a Low, name for Miner's lamp.
Attending the annual flower show and games in a field at the bottom of Rectory Lane.
In his last year at school helping the Head Teacher with his war work, i.e. selling savings bonds etc.