Former teachers and students reminisce at La Mare’s 50th
TEACHERS reunited with past colleagues and students at the La Mare de Carteret 50th anniversary gathering.
Although many couldn’t remember exactly when the school opened in 1974, an array of school photos, including staff photos, and press cuttings brought back memories.
Arnold Lodge, 82, was one of the first members of staff to work at the school, teaching at La Mare for almost three decades.
‘I was here when the building was still empty of furniture. I came in when the school opened and stayed here for 27 years,’ he said.
‘My fond memories are when I was appointed responsible for mathematics for the school and I love drama, so I created a production for when Bob Gill, the headmaster, retired.
‘The productions are the only things I have any photos of.’
He brought along some images to share with others at the event.
‘The building hasn’t changed much. It’s a lot like how it was, except there was a stage in the school hall so there were a fair amount of performances held there,’ said Mr Lodge.
Clare Stephenson was a student at the school when it first opened and then later taught at the school.
Her children have since also attended La Mare.
‘I started in 1974 in Mr Lodge’s class and the highlight was going to do beach studies. We’d walk down to the beach and collect things and we had a pebble polisher, and I think I’ve still got my polished pebble somewhere.’
‘Then when I qualified I came back to teach here, but with maternity leave I think I was here teaching for about 10 years.’
Mr Lodge and Mrs Stephenson met along the way at teacher training courses.
‘When Clare qualified as a teacher, I was on a course in Exeter and she ran across and just wrapped her arms round me,’ said Mr Lodge.
