I spent just the one term at Diss Grammar School, in autumn 1965, following the closure of Eye Grammar School in July 1965.

On my first day there, I received quite a shock to discover that I would not be going into the sixth form following my passing of three O-levels at Eye the previous term.

Eye had not informed me that the criteria for sixth form entry was a minimum of four.

Anyway, I passed English language O-level in November 1965 that enabled me to leave the school at Christmas and get a job in journalism with my father at Hoxne.

A lot of the pupils and teachers moved from Eye to Diss.

On the teaching side those who are still with us were French teacher Andrew Stratfold, (who was on the front cover of the Diss Express last month, celebrating his Leap year birthday), biology teacher Richard Parker and Anne Fewker, who taught history.

I suppose there were differences between the schools. The one that most immediately springs to mind is the fact that some teachers at Diss wore the old mortarboard and gown that you never saw at Eye.

I remember being summoned with Hazel Rose from Hoxne, to the study of the headmaster, Mr A. C. Norfolk, to be asked why we had been spotted walking slowly back to school, somewhere along Shelfanger Road.

He suggested there had maybe been some hanky-panky but I remember replying, quite incrediously, that we were merely chatting on our way back from a dental appointment.

I remember playing for the school football team, at I believe Eaton Agricultural College near Norwich, on a rugby football pitch.

We played with the rugby posts up but with a tape on the bars to turn them into football goal posts.

On my final day at school I remember being too shy to ask a beautiful looking girl for a farewell dance.

Yes a long while ago and a different world but happy memories.

n What are your memories of Diss Grammar School? Write with your stories and send pictures of life there. Grammar School Memories, Diss Express, Mere Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AE or email editorial@dissexpress.co.uk