Reminiscence - Gerald Fisher

14/9/2014

(Courtesy Gerald, September 2014)

I was at School between 1948 and 1954, definitely the Best of Times (apologies to Dickens). There is much that I could write regarding my time there, but that maybe for a later date. An abiding memory, for me, was the production of ‘Iolanthe’ in March 1952. Norman Cutting, Master of Music, was also Organist and Choirmaster at Cromer Parish Church, where I was a chorister. Having been cast, initially, as Phyllis, ‘Ciffy ‘ (as he was known to us) told me one day that I was re-cast as Queen of the Fairies because the first choice had moved away!!! There was no, ‘Would you be prepared to do this?’ It was, as they say these days, a ‘given’. Mrs Marshall, I note that she was not given any credit as Dresser, supplied me with a pair of sparkly high heeled shoes. I just could not cope with this footwear, and my bare feet froze on the concrete stairs leading up from the Science Lab (Dressing Room). So I resorted to my tried and trusted black boots. Fortunately, my dress swept the floor and I got away with it! Or so I thought until a number of girls from the High School said they had seen the production and my boots!! Such is Fame. I have attached a photo and pages of the programme which bears the autographs of most of the cast.
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Belatedly, I joined the Old Pastonian Society a few years ago and have enjoyed the company at the Trafalgar Dinners. Sadly, so far I have not yet met up with anyone from my year, but live in hope. Keep up the good work with the Newsletter. I find it to be a real tonic to be reminded of School in this way.