One of the memorable delights, and there were not many, being at
Clayesmore in the late forties/ fifties, just after the war, was getting away
from the school.One of these enjoyable occasions was an afternoon expedition by a group of us, usually on a Sunday, over Cranborne Chase to Pimperne. This took about one and half hours each way and was a regular venture, two or three times a term, if I remember correctly.
We were lucky to be so close to such beautiful countryside and the Chase and its surroundings were no exception in this part of north Dorset. Even as schoolboys it was hard not to take in the beauty of the landscape through its changing seasons, however to be more truthful, we were probably more spurred on by the rewards awaiting for us at our destination The Anvil at Pimperne, then a small cafe (now a hotel).
The Pilgrims Tales were far removed from the Chaucerian variety. Our tales were made up of our feelings towards the senior members of the school and its activities. These ranged from sports topics to the many personalities amongst the teachers, the, sadomasochistic senior prefects system and much about the girls from the local girls boarding school Croft House. Clayesmore was not “Co-ed” in those times.
Having arrived at The Anvil, tea was purchased and consisted of, usually, egg on toast, toast and jam, and cakes topped with coloured icing all washed down with hot steaming tea. Unbelievingly scrumptious.
The cost of the feast was 5/- each and if you were strapped for cash this could always be borrowed (without interest) from ‘Scadding’ before setting off.
With full tummies we set out on our return journey back to school hopefully arriving in time for supper.
Through the magic of digital photography I show a picture of four of these Pilgrims as they are now and taken in front of The Anvil, as it is now.
From left to right:-
Tim Welch, Tony Woollard (my brother) Derek Harris, Myself.
Happy Days !!!!!!
Bev Woollard (48-51)