Glad they pulled it down, I hated this school

Was this the school located at the bottom of Masefield Avenue and had a wall running around the playground side with wrought iron fence at the front?. One of the teachers lived directly opposite the entrance which was on the main road to Blaydon and Durham. Mr Smith the local medical doctor had a surgery on the same road. If so then I too hated that school because of Bill Crozier the sadistic, nasty headmaster. I was terrified of him!. Every morning he had a line of little children in the assembly hall, waiting to be caned. I have spent my entire life ( I'm now 65 years old) with hate and loathing for the cruel sadist that he was.

Yes Victoria, the school was between Crowley Road and Market Lane with the back of the school and its long stone wall facing Masefield Avenue. The teacher who lived in Market Lane opposite the entrance was Mrs Saul.

Swalwell Board School was situated at the bottom of our street namely Richmond Avenue. When we sledged in the bad Winter of 1947 (I think), the street was like glass and sledges bounced off the path along the school wall. Really exhilarating. At school I was told off very severely for drawing flowers in the margin of the exercise books by Miss Pyle (I can see her in my minds eye right now). Paper rationing was in force during the war. Mr. Richardson used to lament my drawing was better than my maths. Miss Bruce was an inspirational teacher who taught English to great effect. I was once caned by Mr. Swindell for "talking" - it was horrid.

Thanks for your memories Lorna. You are right, 1947 was the very bad winter.I remember all the teachers you mention except Miss Pyle, she was before my time.