Madam Chairman, Old Scholars and friends,

When I was first asked to be President of the Old Scholar’s Association I was very much surprised and privileged. Since accepting and now arriving at the terrifying bit which is the address which all old scholars read, I am beginning to wonder why I accepted. It’s one thing standing in front of a class of children it’s another talking to people I have heard of and known and those who have had such a great impact on my life. It’s about those people that I want to talk about today.

I was born in Northallerton in February 1952. My brother, also born in Northallerton went to the Grammar School. I went to nursery school when I was about 3 years old but not for long. I was expelled! Miss Peacock, the teacher and I didn't agree on the layout of the classroom and so I moved all the furniture. The interesting thing was she always charged more for boys because they were more trouble!

I started piano lessons when I was four. Music ran in the family. My father was particularly musical and my mum can sing although she never learnt to play an instrument. I started Primary School the year in which I was 5. Parents were only welcome in school when you were in trouble! My first day was a disaster. I took the teacher some flowers. She told me to put them in a jam jar with water. I dropped the jam jar, cut my finger and she smacked me! I think it was maybe this that really decided me that I wanted to teach. Never would a child I taught suffer like I did that day!

From then on my primary education was non eventful apart from the usual Christmas Nativity and I was never picked as Mary , always a sheep, donkey or a shepherd. The 11+ was around in those days and this was bad news for me. I worked hard but found exams a problem. I passed the first half which was a shock to me and to probably many other people! The second half was a different matter. I can remember running out of the exam and saying to my mother ‘Easy. It was really easy’ and her reply as she looked at me was ‘No exam is easy, Maeve ’. Yes you can guess can’t you – I failed!

My parents were particularly concerned that both my brother and I should have a good education. They had, and so they believed their children should also have that opportunity. When you are young you never see that but I am now grateful for their foresight, the encouragement and support that they have always given me. If it hadn't’ been for that support I would not be here today standing in front of you all.

At that time in Northallerton it was either the Grammar School or the Secondary Modern. The Grammar was out for me and the Secondary Modern didn't’ do what were then known as O’ levels. I can remember my parents asking me if I’d like to go away to school. No hesitation I said ‘Yes’. My decision was based on my reading of the Famous Five, Secret Seven etc. Midnight feasts and adventures would occur all the time. What more could I want?

I had no idea, at this time, what my parents were going without in order to give me this privileged education because that is what it was. All the people who have had the opportunity to attend Ayton School are both lucky and privileged. From my first day at Ayton I loved it. Yes there were things I didn't like (games on cold days, slave drives every Sunday afternoon, some of the food, especially fried eggs that seemed to be made of rubber. You could nearly jump up and down on them!) But it’s funny how those memories stay with us.

Staff at Ayton cared about people. I suddenly became important and valued. What I did was acknowledged. What I was good at was nurtured hence my music. There was time to think and develop, become your own person with your own views. There were rules to be followed as there has to be in all life. Some passed me by at times. There was a rule that during village leave you should not eat in the street. Rules didn't always apply to me or so I thought until John Reader told me I had quite a pretty face except when I was trying to fill my mouth with a Mars Bar while walking down the street! I was in the school choir but singing was not allowed during meal times as I discovered when I was sent out of tea by Vasantraj Pande. Working in the library wasn't always accepted as a reason for not playing hockey on cold days. As my report said (written by Judith Duncan or Batman as we used to call her) ‘It would be nice if we saw a little more of Maeve !’

‘Nick ’ we all remember her and how could we not? She was a very special person and when you were called in front of her in her quiet way she made you feel not exactly ashamed but humble. ‘Harry’ (Miss Harwood) – do you remember how she used to swing backwards and forwards on her toes and heels while she was giving out notices? I can also remember at one of my mock interviews prior to going to college, being told to uncross my legs as it wasn't lady like! Taffy (Mr Morgan) – he made history come to life. I was never convinced that all his stories were true but they were certainly entertaining. It was always a good day for everyone when Wales won the rugby.

John Reader, a quiet and respected man who once said to me when I had made a decision as deputy head girl and was worried about the decision I had made, ‘Always do what YOU believe to be right’. I have often thought about those words. Mary Reader – her beautiful flower arrangements all over school that made me feel as though there was always sunshine. Dorothy Easton (Dawson as she is now) – the times we played duets and the times I practiced those scales before breakfast. The practice room was below her bedroom. Being allowed to use her piano room was a privilege but the trouble was she always knew when you’d played something wrong! Miss Atkinson the art teacher who took a look at my paintings and decided I’d be better if I posed for the 'O’ level class rather than take the exam! Mind you I did make some very interesting things in pottery. According to some friends you would play quite a lot from them in Spain! We could reminisce about all our teachers and remember them for many things. I often wonder whether the children I have taught will remember things about me – or maybe it would be better not to know!

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