They are now parents and grand parents but for one day only villagers were invited to reflect on life 50 years after they first sat behind a school desk.
Pupils from the original Martin School in Littleport were reminded of the ever changing times in education this morning (December 1) from today’s pupils.
Littleport Community Primary School – built on the grounds of the Martin School - invited students from the 1950’s to meet with the current pupils to learn about modern school life.
The reunion ties in with the school’s current work on what life would be like for someone at that time.
Head teacher John Cattermole said: “This year our new school building is 10 years old so as part of our anniversary we wanted to head back in time to see what life was like at the former school.
“The former pupils have watched our children do rock and roll dancing and they’ve heard from them about what they’ve learned about life in the 1950s.
“They’re just spending some time sharing their memories of their time at the school.”
Dozens of former students spoke with the primary school for over an hour, exchanging stories and jokes.
Old photographs were brought out and shared around, former pupils pointed out certain areas they remember and explained to the children what used to go on.
John Taylor, former student and local author, said: “I was at the Martin School as part of the first intake back in 1956.
“Today we’ve been entertained royally by the children, they’ve sung to us, danced for us and interrogated us
“It’s been good for us former students because it’s brought floods of memories back, as informing them of our life.
“I’ve learned from the whole presentation that school is somewhat different and friendlier than when I went to school. It seems to me that life skills are taught and encouraged as well as academic subjects.
Amy, a current pupil, said: “I liked learning about everything I’ve asked today, I asked if they lived far away from school, how they would get there.
“They said they’d probably get their by walking and it wouldn’t matter what the weather was and it would take a long time.”
Mr Cattermole said: “It’s been a real success, we’ve been delighted that people from the local community have been able to come back and share their memories.
“It’s so important that the children learn about their local history and hear from people who lived here at this time.
“Rather than just reading history books or seeing it on the television, actually talking to real people is the best way.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here