In the fourth of a series of articles to mark Churchfields Infants’ and Junior School’s 150th anniversary, former pupil Susan Douse (class of 1991) offers her thanks to the schools which shaped the person she is today
I attended Churchfields (CFS) from the age of three to 11 (1982 to 1991). Charlie’s Fish Shop, as we lovingly called it, taught me about love, life and friendship. It helped me through some bad times (the death of my grandfather who lived with us) and was there for some great times. It started me on a journey of learning and discovery and encouraged a thirst for knowledge.
Mr Hill, Ms Law, Mrs Papworth, Mrs Hurst, Mrs Hayden and Mrs Hayes are just some of the names of great teachers who taught me at the school. I remember making salt dough fruit with Mrs Papworth and singing about fluffy cauliflowers and green cabbages in the school hall.
I loved doing the annual shows, playing the mirror in Snow White. I was the narrator in another show about a fizzy pop maker who was being pushed out of business by the big companies!
One year, whilst I was in the junior school, I remember there was a bomb scare and we were all evacuated to the field to play. Our minds playing tricks on us and telling us we could see smoke when it was just a figment of our imagination.
I have two older brothers and a younger sister who also went to Churchfields. Mrs Ware (the dinner lady) was convinced I was one of my brothers at one time (to be fair we did look similar, with just three years between us) and told me off instead of him! He loved it; me, not so much!
The school has completely changed now. It’s very modern and up to date, but when I was in the final two years, our classroom was a portacabin out by the hall. I liked being out there. It was a bit chilly in the winter and a sweatbox in the summer but it was nice to be able to see the greenery outside and hear the rain on the roof.
The food at lunch was quite nice but I did have to stay away from the fish fingers as they made me ill for some reason. The puddings were the best and I must admit I loved the custard!
I attended Churchfields nursery, infants and junior school and I wouldn’t change that for a moment. The friends I made and still have from there, the memories made and the things I learnt shaped me to be the human being I am today. When I look back on my time there, I am filled with happiness. I remember the excitement and how learning was made fun by the teachers.
For the memories and everything you taught me, I thank you, Churchfields.
For more information on Churchfields Infants’ School and Churchfields Junior School, visit swvg.co.uk/churchfields
