St. Kenelm's C.E. Primary School, Romsley
Centenary Celebrations
1915 – 2015

Memories of Mr Tim Newton - Pupil – 1950/60s

I attended St. Kenelm's School in the late 1950s and early 60s.

I remember an incident at a lunchtime. We used to walk down the Church Hall (as it was known by then) for lunch and on this particular day it was Irish Stew on the menu. I have never been one for vegetables, especially carrots, and I therefore did not eat any.

Miss Davies came over to the table and asked why I had not touched my lunch. I informed her that I did not like it and if I ate it I would be sick. She replied that I was being stupid and that I could not leave the hall until I had eaten it all.

I again said that I would be sick and she again insisted that I eat it. I took one mouthful and, of course, was promptly sick all over her. I consequently did not need to eat any more so the ploy had been successful.

Until the following day when I was summoned by Miss Gray, the petite yet fearsome headmistress, who ordered me to apologise to Miss Davies for being sick over her. I refused (which was very brave) because I said that Miss Davies had made me eat the food when I had warned her of the consequences (although at the age of about eight I may not have put it quite like that!) and so the matter was dropped.

A useful tip if any of you are faced with a bowl of tepid Irish Stew in the future.