I was always in the top section of the class and passed my eleven plus when the time came
I went to Western Board Infants School, in Penman Street, North Shields and I loved it.
One thing I remember is washing my hands in a little washbasin when a young lad ran through and pushed me, cutting my eye. I was taken to the Infirmary and had three stitches put in my eyelid. (You see we also had ruffians in those days). I certainly yelled and still have the scar to prove it.
I was always in the top section of the class and passed my eleven plus when the time came, but we couldn’t afford for me to go to the grammar school. If you were in the top section you were able to do special activities, because the teachers knew that you could miss a few lessons without spoiling your education.
I sang, played hockey, went swimming to Hawkey’s Lane open-air pool and acted in concerts. I remember Miss Thompson who taught us embroidery and handicrafts and Miss Johnson who taught music.