Queens’ furore is not new

AS an ex-pat Wisbechian, I have been following with great interest the furore surrounding the Queen s School. Let me tell you, this is nothing new. As a former pupil (1972-77) bullying and the like were the norm in both schools at the time (you will of co

AS an ex-pat Wisbechian, I have been following with great interest the furore surrounding the Queen's School. Let me tell you, this is nothing new.

As a former pupil (1972-77) bullying and the like were the norm in both schools at the time (you will of course remember that the boys and the girls used to be segregated by a good mile and a half and teachers were even put on patrol on the perimeter fences at lunchtimes so we could not associate with our chosen teenage sweethearts).

Bullying did not only stem from pupils but indeed some of the staff, who, in my opinion, had no place to be within a country mile of a child's education. I will not name them, as it would serve no purpose, but I'm sure my co-pupils will remember them vividly.

On a more positive note, there were some fantastic teachers there at the time whom I still remember very fondly - Eric 'Killer' Heal, who gave me my love of history; Dave Tuckwood, a very kind and gentleman, Dave Walton, who used to play for Wisbech Town and was always a pleasure to be taught by; Owen Douglas, who taught biology and always had a smile on his face, a very educated and witty man; and finally Dan Dunton and Graham Massey, both art teachers, who had a tremendous impact on my outlook on life.

I hope the pupils of today will come through what is obviously a difficult time for them and will remember only the good things that the Queen's School had to offer them.

Or will it be a case of some things never change?

MARK ALLINGTON

Kirkby in Ashfield