SCROLL DOWN TO HEAR THE 1954 BBC RADIO PROGRAM
To coincide with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations our history learning in Spring 2022 has been all about the 1950's. We have found out so much about the history of Orton Parochial School (as it was called in the 1950's). We even uncovered a set of records with a BBC radio program recorded in Orton School in 1954. This is absolute treasure so we decided to invite as many former pupils and connections of Orton School from the 1950's for a special morning of memory sharing with the children and each other. We thought one or two might join us but we were overwhelmed with the response and had around 30 very excited visitors come along! What an awesome morning everyone had. Our children loved hearing about the older generations experiences of school, especially the naughty bits and the very primitive toilet arrangements!!! We don't always realise how lucky we are!!
We loved sharing the BBC program with our visitors and evoking lots of memories. Tears, laughter and conversation were shared throughout the morning.
What an extraordinary privilege to have so many pupils of Orton school in the 1950's join us to share their memories with us and each other. It has been such a special day.
It was so very busy we didn't capture many photographs but we hope you enjoy the ones we have captured.
Orton School on the BBC 1954 - 1.mp4
Orton School on the BBC 1954 - 2.mp4
Orton School on the BBC 1954 - 3.mp4
Orton School on the BBC 1954 - 4.mp4
Orton School on the BBC 1954 - 5.mp4
Orton School on the BBC 1954 - 6.mp4
Orton School on the BBC 1954 - 7.mp4
To go with the BBC radio program of Orton School on the BBC we have found out a little about the Headteacher at the time.
Conrad Ernest Beale born 14th Oct 1902 in Suffolk married Esmie Ellen Hill in 1928 at Brampton Derbyshire. He was earlier Assistant Master at Clay Cross Senior Boys School Nottinghamshire and appointed Head Master at Orton in 1931. He lived with his wife, Esmie and daughter Janet, and widowed mother in law Annie Elizabeth in the school house. They were both ARPs in the war he was a chief ARP. We don’t know when he left Orton but when he died in 1966 they lived in Tiverton Devon. Esmie lived on to 1983.
Reunion Photos
