Way back in 1956, I was a ten-year-old pupil attending Kingwell Court Preparatory School (boarding school) in Bradford-upon-Avon, Wiltshire, England. A very special school. The actual building, essentially a mansion, was beautifully structured with expansive gardens and terraces to match. The interior was no less magnificent. Sports were cricket and rugby. The headmaster was Reverend Goldsworthy, a Church of England vicar, dedicated to his vocationally motivated rôle.
Kingwell Court had a vegetable garden where pupils picked strawberries, raspberries, and gooseberries. Now strawberries and raspberries were fine; almost pick one eat one! Perhaps pick two eat one! More humour than reality!
Gooseberries were another matter. They were delicious, but there was a side effect. A reaction kicked in, resulting in fruit pickers racing to the loos where the true character of gooseberries visited. For the whole day, unpleasant abdominal pain. Since then I have never been a fan of gooseberries!
On the other side of the vegetable gardens, there was a row of relatively small allotments, one for each pupil who enjoyed gardening; typically flowers, not fruit (definitely not gooseberries). I was as keen as other pupils to take ‘ownership’ of a plot, investing quite some time creating a rather neat display of flowers. We all had to tend our mini-gardens regularly to ensure they were in prime condition.
Silk Worms
There were also silkworms producing yellow or white silk. We used to gather the silk and wind it around a stick. Truly amazing. They only resided on Mulberry trees where they hang from the leaves. Over time flowers blossomed offering a delightful display of colours. Every plot boasted its own unique style.
One day, following the morning assembly, the headmaster stated that the winner of the garden contest would be announced. The number one prize winner was announced and then 2nd place and then much to my surprise, I had won 3rd prize. Much applause for the three of us and especially the Number One prize winner. And as for a prize, I asked for ‘The Wonder Book of Science’. Science, planets, and galaxies being some of my favorite topics.
Return Visit
Many years ago I visited Kingwell Court with my family, only to find out it had become a vacant, terribly run-down, sad building. Considering what it was like in 1956, it was rather upsetting. The front entrance had brief comments written by Old Kingwellians stating that it was so sad; a shame that such a magnificent school and buildings should have been left to rot and ruin.
We also found the gardening plots; naturally in ruins as were the vegetable gardens. The former playing fields were a total overgrown mess.
Memories of Kingwell Court School visit me very often. A school photo hangs on my study wall featuring Reverend and Mrs. Goldsworthy, teachers, matron, and pupils. I think back to the time when wonderful garden parties complete with marquees and delicious food were for delightful Parents’ Day. Fifties (now classic) autos graced the long driveway from the main road to the grand school building and surrounds. So spectacular. The area around the school was pristine. Cricket green and beautifully kept gardens everywhere.
Nothing can take away such wonderful, treasured memories.
