Adopted tree has stood tall throughout decades

Retired construction worker Eddie Bailey shares his memories of an inspirational teacher at his village school. He talks to Jenny Amphlett

Eddie Bailey's primary school teacher urged him to adopt a tree during a nature walk more than 60 years ago, and it is still standing to this day. The 70-year-old retired construction worker says it is just one of his fond memories of teacher Jessie Collier, who taught him at St Peter's School, in Alton, during the late 1940s and early 50s. Eddie, pictured right, who lives in Battlesteads, Alton, says: "I was prompted to share my memories after reading a Way We Were letter by Mary Astbury-Saracchi on December 8. "It stirred fond memories of Miss Collier, who taught me and many others at St Peter's School, in Alton, during the late 1940s and early 50s. "She taught us how to draw and paint, also how to make models with plasticine and paper. "She asked each pupil to name their favourite hymn and encouraged them to sing along while she played the piano. "I remember that my favourite hymn was Jerusalem." Eddie lived in Saltersford Lane, Alton, with his parents and seven siblings, all of whom would have attended the same school at some point. Eddie was a pupil at the school from the age of five to 11, when he passed his 11-plus and was accepted into grammar school. He recalls the infant class was taught by Miss Bickers, the intermediate class by Miss Collier and the older children by Mr Gilbert. "Miss Collier enthralled me with her book reading skills and made it very exciting. I couldn't wait for the next chapter," he says. "She asked us to adopt a tree when on nature walks. "Mine was a golden beech tree, along what we knew as 'the pastures', where there was also a pond where we would go dipping. "The tree is still there today and it is more than 60 years since I adopted it. It must be more than 100 years old now. "Alas the pond is no more, having been filled in. "It is only a few years ago that Miss Collier passed away, in her 90s. I had spoken to her not long before she died and she said she remembered me from all those years ago." Eddie is in possession of a number of photographs from the school. He says: "A few years ago I was given a photo album belonging to my former headmaster, Mr Gilbert, with photos taken at the school during the 1940s and 50s. "If there are any former pupils who would like to see them then I would be happy to oblige." Eddie is married to Ann and they have one son, James. Were you taught by Miss Collier, or would you like to share your memories of attending St Peter's School? Write to Jenny Amphlett, including your full name, address and telephone number, at Features Desk, The Sentinel, Forge Lane, Etruria, or email waywewere@thesentinel.co.uk