HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a Wyre Piddle man who was among the first youngsters to be taught at the town’s secondary school more than 80 years ago.
Harold Haines passed away peacefully at his home on June 22 at the age of 95 and was warmly remembered by all associated with Pershore High School as a member of Pershore County Secondary School’s first intake of pupils back in 1932.
His funeral was held on Wednesday (July 8) at Worcester Crematorium for the former pupil who was guest of honour at the Station Road school’s Presentation Evening in June 2012.
During the evening he shared his school experiences with staff, students and guests and looked back fondly how it only taught a handful of students and opening times were split into two sections of the day, morning and afternoon.
“There were two classrooms only – one for infants and the big room for the remainder,” he wrote.
“A curtain could be pulled out to separate the 9-11 year olds from the seniors if and when required, but most of the time we were one class.”
The school originally consisted of just a main hall and quadrangle, with a cloakroom, toilets, school office, headmaster’s study and a select few classrooms.
Although Mr Haines joined the school at 12-years-old, he was inducted straight into the third year leapfrogging both the first and second year where he was taught geography, woodwork and physical training.
Current headteacher Clive Corbett paid tribute on behalf of the school and said: “”I would like to pass on the condolences of the school community to Harold’s family.
“He was a special person who will be sorely missed.”
“We were delighted to have Harold as our guest of honour at the school’s presentation evening in June 2012,” he added.
Mr Haines served his country in Normandy in 1944 during the Second World War and has left a lasting legacy for current Pershore pupils.
“We are honoured that Harold’s family has chosen to donate his war medals to the school,” Mr Corbett revealed.
“They will be displayed proudly alongside the school’s Roll of Honour,” he added.
