Back in 1977 we moved roughly 16 miles closer to Cambridge. We stayed there until 1987.
In those days the field behind was mowed by a team of local residents headed by my dad. The place has today become unkempt, however through the words and pictures here, I hope that you are able to join me in a trip back to the late 1970's and early 1980's and share some of the fun I had at number 2 Kingfisher Walk.
The Undertones - Teenage Kicks
Two Kingfisher Walk - As it is Today
The Tourists - So Good To Be Back Home Again
Spot the Brown Baby - Summer 1978
The same scene from behind today
Here is a picture of my first class, almost exactly as it was when I was there. The main classroom building is directly ahead, with the same "conservatory" style add-on as it was when I was there. I can remember almost as if it was yesterday my first day of school. All the children crying for their mums. I remember looking around wondering what the fuss was about!
Here is a picture of of me from about 1979. Many years later a teacher remarked to me, the thing he most remembers about me was my hair. In case you are wondering my head doesn't go to the top of all that hair! In 1979 prejudice against anyone who was deemed to be "non-white" was rife. This extended to certain "grown up" children, and especially the dinner and playground supervisors.
A child of five has no idea what his colour is, or what his "crime" is supposed to be. My childhood was in many many ways idilic - but sometimes there was another side.
These days I would fall into the category "born here." Prejudice goes down the line to the next people; Polish or Eastern European economic migrants. Its a sad fact that some people take out their frustrations about their work and social status on children, but there are a lot of evil people out there.
Mrs Alexander's Class - 1978 - 1979
This is undoubtedly where I first began to read and write. At Christmas time we made decorations, and I experienced glue for the first time - not for sniffing I might add.
Mrs Alexander was not the most friendly of teachers, but what she achieved with us has stayed with me for the whole of my life. She was a teacher who aimed high and moved mountains for us all. She is pictured here, back ramrod streight, smiling but a picture of disclipline. I think many children owe her a great debt.
The next year I was in the portocabin which was situated behind this building and infront of my first classroom building. I remember one of the girls excluding my from the Wendy-House - I exacted my revenge by sticking my foot out and tripping her up when I got the chance - yes I did get thrown out for that one, I remember the shame and humiliation of that one like yesterday too!
The other thing that I remember clearly in the class of 1979 - 1980 was the teacher being a lover of nature. We were never just confined to the clsassroom. That year we were treated to watching chickens hatch, which were stored in the classroom in an incubator. we all waited and waited and finally small holes appeared in the eggs. During the night the small chicks came out, and there they were all fluffy and yellow. I think introducing children to experiences like these show them the power of nature and give them a deep impression of its power.
School Playground
Spandau Ballet - To Cut A Long Story Short
As a child I remember I was never afraid to play games with girls as well as boys. We used to play hopscotch, and all kinds of games with the skipping rope. I wasn't bad at any of the games, but one in particular many of the girls would ask me to do. This game consisted of me holding my arms out and a girl either side of me hanging on, while I ran along. I couldn't really see what the point was, but it seemed like they liked the feeling of being pulled along by me! Funny people!
My final class 1980 - 1981 was directly ahead in the picture, on the left was the dinning hall/ gym (also where the school photographs were taken). Out of view is the open air swimming pool on the right - I still even have the certificates!
Something I remember clearly was the launch of the spaceship Columbia in April 1981. I remember telling my dad that I wanted to see it. He told me to ask the teachers, and sure enough they set up a television so we could see it live from America. It was good of them to allow us to watch it, although not all children were interested. I walked away a happy child, I found the launch inspiring and may have affected me proffoundly. Even now when somebody makes a suggestion - I think carefully why not...? What are the implications for dashing young people's hopes.
Sting & The Police - Walking On The Moon
Meet the family 1981
Tom Tom Club - Wordy rappinghood (1981)