Your memories: 'I became rebellious after teacher's death'

GRAHAM Whyte, 57, lives in Harrogate, but back in the 1950s he lived on Madeira Street, before moving to Prince Regent Street in 1960. Here he recalls his schooldays at North Fort Street Primary School and David Kilpatrick Secondary School.

"In the late 1950s, I attended North Fort Street Primary School. As time passed, I slowly felt more at ease, so much so that I even started to learn to play the viola. Mr Lyons was the teacher and was probably one of the best teachers I had.

"After about two years of his tuition, I went as usual to class, only to be told he had passed away. It seemed to drain every emotion from my body. I seemed to become a rebellious child and, every opportunity that arose, I would fight the education system. The previous year I had been second in class, then put up a class. When I heard about Mr Lyons, from then on I fought to see if I could end up bottom of the class each year until I left.

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"One occasion I was running through the new flats that were being built inside the Fort. I ran the length of one of the joists, only to trip over a protruding nail and, with an almighty thud, hit another protruding nail with my bottom lip. I still bear the scar.

"In the early 60s, I moved to David Kilpatrick Secondary.

Being unruly sometimes paid off but, when you were caught, you couldn't feel your hands for hours. One occasion in the gym I was doing the same as the rest of the class while the teacher was out. We were running and jumping on to the trampette. It was still folded down and made some holes in the parquet flooring. You've guessed who was doing it as the teacher walked in. Six of the best.

"Another memory from DK's was when our Queen and King Olaf of Norway were passing. We went to the Norwegian church next to the school and borrow a large flag. We stood on top of the wall, waving like mad.

"Does anyone remember Big T Boots? They were an orange-ish colour and had a six-month guarantee. Mine only lasted two weeks, due to playing football in the playground.

While taking an almighty swipe, I broke my foot against the toilet block wall.

"In those days, we were able to go out delivering milk, rolls or do the daily papers. A milk boy delivered 80-100 pints a day for 10/6d. If you delivered rolls you were given 3d a week, per household. My mother took the 10/-, I got the rest.

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"Some of my classmates were Donald Cullen, John Purkiss, Dennis Whysall and Billy Dove to name a few..

"One thing I bitterly regret was when I was caught stealing an apple from Joe Maloney's, at the bottom of Prince Regent Street. I was black and blue before the police left our stair."

Graham would be keen to hear from anyone with school photos from the period described. E-mail him on [email protected]

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