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Joyce Newton Remembers
Joyce, who lived in James Street, started Front Street Infant School in 1932, when she was about 5 years old. She had already been in school twice with her sister, when her mother had to go somewhere, so it wasn't a totally new experience for her. There were 4 classes in the school. The Headteacher was Miss Melvin, who taught English and Poetry. Joyce became very interested in poetry because of Miss Melvin's influence. The other teachers were Miss Wheatley, of whom Joyce was particularly fond, Miss Wilson who taught Maths and Miss Kay who taught Music.
The children always performed plays at Easter and Christmas. There was a school trip every year, which was usually to the coast.
When Joyce was 7, her family moved to a colliery house near Watergate, but she still attended Front Street School. The lunch break was one and a half hours, so there was time for Joyce to walk home to have her lunch. When her father was out of work her mother got a job, but she still went home to have lunch, as her father was there.
When Joyce was about 8 years old she moved up into the Junior School. The Head Teacher was Mr Kennedy. The other members of staff, most of whom lived locally, were Mr Kempton, who became Head at Whickham Secondary Modern, Mr Parker, the Woodwork teacher, Mr Ruddick, the Music teacher, Miss Cousins, Miss Hutchinson, the Sewing teacher, Miss Longstaff and Miss Harbutt. Joyce's first class teacher was Miss Longstaff.
Joyce particularly remembers going into the hall for Music, having lovely Christmas parties when the children were given food in a bag to eat at your own desk, and being given extra school milk, which she hated, because she had a pale skin.
When Joyce was 10, her family moved again and she went to Marley Hill School.