During the first year I was one of three trade teachers. Woodwork was Mr. Edwards, Engineering, Mr. Barks, myself in Sheet metalwork.
It was a strenuous period with insufficient staff, large classes in temporary accommodation for the two terms. When we moved to the new school buildings we each faced difficult tasks purchasing tools and equipment then fitting out our workshops always with a full quota of students.
I received great help and advice from both Mr. Edwards and Mr. Barks.
I came back to the school at the beginning of the 1964 school year as Headmaster under Mr. Hunter, Principal, who was a delight to work with. We were an industrious pair.
I kept an interest in the Schools affairs until it’s untimely and undignified end. It is sad that the efforts of so many dedicated and diligent people over such a long time should end up as dust with the School at building wreckers hands.
Now the site is occupied by a large and ugly service station and a residential complex with not a sign of the remarkable work that went on there for so long affecting the lives of so many people.
I called at the school the day it closed. I met some of the staff and was pleased to receive an attractive badge commemorating the life of the School.
Referring to the fence around the oval- Mr. Dick Spencer, a resourceful and energetic Carpentry teacher led the project. With the help of students and a very long rope he marked the line of posts as a perfect ellipse. Postholes were dug, posts put in place and a top rail fixed, and that is where I did my part, making the metal strips which fixed the rails to the posts. These were cut, bent, punched in my workshop by many willing boys. When completed it was the object of much pride.
I took part in a School trip to Hobart and remember it fondly. Mr. Glen Roach was the organizer. Since few of us had flown before or had been to Tasmania it was an exciting adventure.
The outstanding boxer in the early years was Bryan Membrey.
My age is 84 years, have fairly good health but have very little spare time since my wife’s health is such that she needs my constant care and attention.
Yours sincerely,
E. Neville
This story was extracted from a letter from the late Ted Neville to Mr. Bruce Barnhill prior to the reunion in April 1997