A classful of faces

Fleetville Infants Class 1950 – all forty-six of us, plus Miss Randall of course.

Recently, from New Zealand arrived this photograph, capturing a young class from Fleetville Infants' School in 1950.  Around 45 children and their teacher sat patiently around the side of the small building, waiting for the cue to say "cheese".  Now, what would any Key Stage One teacher today say of the prospect of steering that number of young minds through the early years section of the National Curriculum?  Although a year older than me, there are many children who I recognised, either by name or by face; some immediately, but with others a hazy recognition emerged but slowly.  Anthony, who sent the picture, had identified a fair proportion of the children – with the help of one or two friends who also appear.

This is where the rest of us can help.  As you can see from the version of the picture on the website www.stalbansowneastend.co.uk  – and now sitting on a brand-new page reserved for school group pictures – a few faces are presently unknown.  If you identify yourself, or a class friend, would you let the author know: saoee@me.com  More group pictures will follow shortly.

This used to be Rollings' site; before that it used to be Oakley's

The second photograph was one of many taken on one of those brilliantly blue-skied mornings we are occasionally blessed with.  Down at ground level, however, the space is quite empty.  Here, in Camp Road and next to the Camp public house, had been a large blue warehouse shed, first erected for the wholesale confectioner and tobacconist J B Rollings and Co Ltd, which, until c1970 had its premises in Hatfield Road.  Before that move, the site had been what remained of Oakley's Dairy Unit, whose fields had long since been swallowed up by homes, whose occupants were potential customers requiring milk!  The wholesome white stuff was therefore brought in for processing and bottling.  I am sure there are many interesting stories about Oakley's which have not yet surfaced.  If you have a tale to tell, visited the premises, worked there or retain a clear recollection of the buildings and the dairy operation, do email saoee@me.com This will support the stories already known about the delivery side of the business.  Meanwhile, progress on the redevelopment of this site will be followed with interest.

Finally, twenty-five of us enjoyed a guided walk this week around residential streets in parts of Fleetville north of Hatfield Road.  While a number are regulars on our summer walks, we also enjoy meeting with locals who are joining us for the first time.  Appearing for the first time this year is Laid to Rest in Fleetville.  There is less walking involved but we will sharing brief stories of some former residents who have been 'laid to rest' in Hatfield Road Cemetery.  This has clearly been a popular theme, as by the time this blog appears it is possible there will be no more places left – remember, it is essential to book ahead through Fleetville Diaries.  In which case, look out for the walk appearing again in the FD programme.