Burnal Martin and the class of 1922-3

I’m very pleased to note the continued interest in Watling Street School’s history, a thread started by Adrian Reid before Christmas. A couple of days ago, I received the above scan from reader George Martin, taken around 1922 or 1923, featuring his father.

George said:

Hello Bob

Please find the attached photo of a boys class at Watling Street school circa 1922/23 – my father Burnal Martin is on the front row in the center wearing the small cap.

Is this photo of any interest?

Does anyone recoginise the other boys in the photo?

regards
George Martin

I can assure you George that both I and other readers will find the photo very interesting indeed and a great addition to the historical record. Thanks so much for sharing it with us!

While on the subject of the school up on the A5, Mike Stackhouse commented yesterday:

Hi Bob,

Thank you for running my two items on my childhood at Watling Street School and the Middleton House one.

I am amazed at the memories stirred by other people replying to the items.

The best thing of all is that I now have a copy of 125 years of Watling Street, I was invited by Eryl to the school and had a fantastic afternoon. I saw paperwork (Register) of the day i started school in 1949 and similar for both my brother and sister.

I am going back again when it can be arranged.

Memories came flooding back and you sparked me to at least getting a start on my life around Brownhills and Beechdale.

Only done 1000 words so far, but it’s a start.

So thank you once more.

Cheers
Micke

Thanks Mike, so kind. As I said in reply, connecting people with their history, and reader helping reader is why I do this. Thanks for you lovely words.

Mike’s memories can be read at his new blog here.

f you can put a name to anyone pictured above, or have any further material relating to Watling Street School, please do comment or email me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.

Cheers, as ever.