The fencing - as at a lot of schools these days - is for security. The school I used to work at has fencing all round and the gates can be locked from within the school in case of intruders.When I attended in the 1950's, it didn't look like a secure young offenders institute - autres temps!
Hi just found this site about Hall Green and surrounding area's. My sister and I went to Hall Green infant and junior school in 1958 and we also lived on the Stratford Rd opposite the petrol station and picture house. The head teacher was Mr Shakespeare, my teacher was female and very free with hitting pupils with a ruler across the palms of the hands. Unfortunately it was me who got it more than most. Not particularly happy memories. Thankfully I later went to Pitmaston secondary school which was excellent with marvellous teaching staff. Our grandfather used to take us to the ford and Swanshurst Park which we loved. We moved away from Birmingham in 1963 but it brings back mixed memories of the past.When we lived on the Stratford Road, we walked up the hill, past the bungalows to York Road School. After we moved to School Road, we walked along the main road to Cateswell Road, then up either Russell or Edgecombe Road. I remember Sarehole Road well. We walked along it from the old house to Swanshurst Park. And, from School Road, we spent huge amounts of time playing in the ford at Green lane and along the River Cole, as others appear to have done!
Also, I have fond memories of the stone bridge over the River on Stratford Road. My grandparents lived in College Road, and my grandfather used to take me as a toddler to look through the pillars at the water flowing over the weir.
Actually, I think I am probably posting on the wrong thread now!
Do you remember the first Zebra crossing across the Stratford Road, nr the junction with Reddings Lane and York Road? Oh the excitement!
Hello Pat (#4). Looks as if we were not quite at York Road School at the same time. Your memory is better than mine but I do remember the names of all the teachers except Mr. Carter who must have been replaced by Mr. Spencer, in the top class, by the time I got there. My main memory of the first infants class was joining in with the singing and acting in songs such as "The Farmer's got a Wife", "Oranges and Lemons, the Bells of St. Clements", and "Old MacDonald had a Farm". There was also a board with everybody's name and gold stars next to them if you did well. Did you have any class photos or school photos taken when you were there? The only one I had was at the time of the Coronation and that was just an individual photograph. There were also team games in the assembly hall and you wore either a red, blue, green or yellow band to represent your team. A shield for best team of the year was hung in the school hall. Another feature was dressing up and acting in a school play. We all had a part but I usually played first tree from the right. They were happy days. Dave.