School trips have always been a special part of the school year. When pupils reminisce about their time at Henry Maynard the trips, whether just for a day or over an extended period of time, are clearly an important part of their memories. Below are just a few examples of the many and varied trips that pupils have experienced over the decades.
I didn't attend the infants at Maynard, we had a family connection with St Mary's so I went there, but I did go on to Maynard Primary and did four very happy years there from 1957 to 1961. I am in the photo above, the smiling kid, front row far right, sitting on the floor. This was, at that time, the boys schools annual (fourth year) holiday to the Isle of Wight. All the boys were invited and together with a group of teachers we spent a sunny week in Sandown visiting places, playing on the beach and for many, including me, it was the first holiday away from family. From memory it was during our last term at Maynard so probably June or early July '61. Big adventure, and great fun, for a group of 11 year olds!. The hotel we stayed in is still in use, it's the Marina Bay hotel although looking at it's website it's had a bit of a makeover since then. The adults bench, from the left, shows Mr Choat, Mrs Weeks's daughter, Mr Henderson, Mrs Weeks, Mr Carney, Mrs MacStocker and Mr Frost. They, and Mr Birmingham the head, were a good bunch of teachers and I still use "stuff" I learned at Maynard in many everyday ways. The older guy standing back left was our coach driver who drove us about. Just to add that I am still in contact with a few of the other boys in the photo and twice a year we meet up for a beer and lunch and we are usually joined for lunch by Mr Carney, and another former teacher (not in photo) Mrs Collins. It's no Sir and Miss now, but Dennis and Margaret and we enjoy their company. I hope this fills a little bit of the Henry Maynard Schools tapestry.
Goobie was the rather unreliable school minibus! The baby above belonged to one of the staff, Mr Parry - as staff were able to take their family, in those days!
Mr. Finlay (Headteacher) and Dilly Gascoigne, with the pupils, enjoying a photo opportunity.
Viv Stevenette: As well as trips to see the Bayeux Tapestry, Normandy landing beaches, Falaise Castle and a very smelly cheese makers, I remember Mr Finlay arranging for the staff to visit a Calvados distillery. Top bloke!
Re-enactment is a fantastic experience as the pupils are immersed in history during the period of their visit. Over the years the same costumes have been used over and over - although a few repairs have been required! It still remains one of the most popular trips.
For many years Year 4 pupils travelled on an open top bus to the Maynard reservoir to study the water birds there - as part of their Habitats Science curriculum. It was always an enjoyable and informative visits which was organised by the Lea Valley Water Authority. On an island in the reservoir are the largest collection of nesting herons in the whole of the UK. The reservoir was only opened one week a year for visitors, so it was a 'secret' part of Walthamstow to visit. Sadly the funding stopped.
However, locals will know that, in October 1917, the reservoirs have now been re-opened, using Lottery funding, as the Walthamstow Wetlands - and are now accessible for all.
As an end of term treat in Year 6 in addition to the Suntrap Camp there is usual an opportunity for an 'adventure' type activity such as a climbing wall or an outdoor adventure space. The pupils have great fun on this occasion, in the video above.