David Parkes, Inde 1955-56
In my day the place was run on very strict lines, almost penal! There were three categories of boys, fee paying(which I was) orphans and welfare cases, and those sent for a bit of discipline. I remember one particular incident, when, about 2 a. m. we were all roused from our bunks and ordered onto the parade ground in our pyjamas. Apparently one of the duty officers had spotted smoke coming up from under the floorboards on the main stairs. It turned out that a boy had deliberately shorted out the electric wiring to start a fire, which could have had devastating consequences. We were kept 'at attention' for over two hours, waiting for the guilty boy to own up-he didn't. a few days later a boy did confess, and was ceremoniously 'drummed out' of the school. I shall never forget witnessing that event. A pleasanter moment was the visit of Wilfred Pickles, I remember we had to sing the Inde song, can anyone remember the words? There were boys who tried to run away, but they were nearly always caught!. Whenever we heard that a runaway had made it home we would give a cheer.
A.C. Howard, 1942-43
Those wooden huts, marching to St Mary's Church at Derwen on Sundays. Walking back to the school from that little railway station after Christmas leave, over snow covered fields. I remember names of some of the staff, Captain Bambra, Chief Officer Unwin, Headmaster Hughs, and Mr Doodson. After Inde I went to 'St George' on the Isle of Man, to train as a boy telegraphist
