Peter Hutchinson CBE (SH 40-42) has kindly sent in the following reminiscences:

“I am happy to recount some of my memories of St Bees. It was, looking back, a great privilege to spend much of the war in the peace of West Cumberland.

We did not go home during term but had what was called three quarter day holidays when we could cycle to various parts of the countryside for the day. There was practically no traffic to worry about. A favourite destination was a small farm on the River Calder which provided cream teas; a great treat, we did not realise that it was then illegal! One day two of us fished in the river and caught an eel about two feet long. I wrapt it round my crossbar and took it back to school to eat; it was delicious!

I think my first winter in 1940 we experienced a snow storm and I remember being on the road to Whitehaven just above School House and looking down onto the roofs of cars.

We also walked up St Bees Head and collected seagulls' eggs. No Health and Safety in those days!

I was very keen on sport. At rugby I played fly half. My first match for the 1st XV was away at Sedbergh. We travelled by train the day before and played the next morning. Unfortunately at an early stage I was concussed and for a few days was confined to the School House sick room under observation. Cricket was my great love. I was made first team captain at the age of 16, which had its difficulties as I was not even a prefect.

The gym and swimming pool were the domain of an ex Northumberland Fusilier sergeant. He was very popular but stood no nonsense. We swam in the nude in those days and consider it quite 'natural'.

For athletics we ran round the triangle. I enjoyed sprinting but avoided cross country.

We trained in the OTC with Lea Enfield rifles. I was in the band but not being the least musical l played the side drum!

There are so many memories: the chapel and singing full blast; the library, which was a good quiet escape; John Boulder, who was always supportive, and his lame leg; the Abbots Court  hotel; Grindal  occupied by Mill Hill School, and of course the tuck shop next door.

I made a lot of friends, a special one is Geoffrey Heslop. I was his best man 60 plus years ago and we still meet up quite regularly, though both in our 90s.”

 

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St Bees School,    St Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.

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