‘The personal value of an object, place or pet derived from the personal memories associated with it’ is what Jake at http://jakesprinters.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/sunday-post-sentimental-value/ has challenged us with this week.

My first school, Heavitree, was rebuilt a few years ago and the children now have a lovely modern building and more outdoor space than when I was a pupil. All that remains of the original is the house where the headmaster Mr Knowles lived and had his office. The only reason we children went inside was to see the school nurse, get told off, or like me for extra tutoring because it was decided you had a chance of getting a scholarship for one of the posh schools. It’s no longer part of the school, but a dental surgery.

This is the old school, around the early 20th century.

I’m not going to say what year this was taken but I think I was about seven. The photo was sent to me by Lesley, two to my left. She is probably my oldest friend.

The school always had close ties with the church and now it’s renamed St Michaels.