Nostalgia: Skeleton discovery made school trip memorable

Like many boys who passed the 11 plus exam, Alan was suddenly offered the chance to step into an academic world where Bloomsbury set founder Lytton Strachey and jet engine pioneer Frank Whittle had once occupied desks.

Although it was the rugby team and the day trips out with history teacher “Spud” Taylor that perhaps lingered longest in his mind.

Now aged 70, Alan has decided the time has come to set up a website and organise a reunion of old college boys.

He said: “The school gave working class kids like me a real opportunity, although I learned later what a stretch it was for my parents to pay for the uniform, rugby and PE kit.

“Several lads in Southam, where I grew up, passed the 11 plus but there was no way their families could pay for the blazers and sports kit which all had to be bought from the school shop. In 1958, when I left, only six or seven per cent of my classmates went on to university.

“Most of us left in the fifth year to get jobs.”

Alan, who went on to hold down various jobs before spending 28 years as a Warwickshire fireman, has been given a number of old photographs, magazines and even college ties.

As vice-chairman of Leamington History Group he was interested to learn that Lytton Strachey, the great social reformer, was “savagely bullied” during his time at the college - although that was back in the 1890s and the future writer and critic appeared to have emerged stronger for the experience.

But the old and more contemporary memories are scattered and Alan believes the time has come for them to collected on a college website.

Personally he’s never forgotten the school trip to the Roman Baths in Bath in 1954 when he cheekily lifted a wooden lid off a coffin...and to his horror discovered there really was a skeleton inside.

Anyone interested in contributing to the website or getting involved in a reunion, later this year, can contact Alan on 01926 314711 or email [email protected]