Andy Milroy from Trowbridge has recently published a book all about Newtown Primary School.
The book contains stories by former pupils recounting their experiences in the school
from the late nineteenth century through to the 1990s. This gives an organic feel to
the book, of differing perspectives, of fresh eyes discovering the school.
The school was described by one early HM Inspector as “the most beautiful and up
to date school in the West of England” and its plans were sent to the Paris International
Exhibition of 1900 as a fine example of a British School where they won a prize.
Andy Milroy taught at Newtown School for over 30 years and it was the school that ignited
his interest in local history.
You can see Andy Milroy at Waterstones book shop in the Shires from 11am tomorrow.
I purchased two books on Saturday, 3rd February for my two children, Karen and Mark Pitman, who attended Newtown Junior School during the 1970’s and early 80’s. In fact I also attended Newtown Junior School in the late 1940’s and was delighted to read inputs from John Austin and Brian Withers who named many of the pupils who were in the same year. I was also surprised and pleased to see an extract from Trevor Bottomley’s book, ‘Happy Days’. Trevor was my Uncle. He passed away on 1st June, 2017, aged 96. He was a wonderful man and lived a very happy and eventful life. Trevor’s brother, Alan, who was 2 years younger, also attended Newtown Junior School. The story within the family was that Alan kicked the door of the school as he didn’t want to go in! I found the book very interesting and hope my children will enjoy it as much as I did.
Newtown School Ah I remember it well! – I even rose to the dizzy height of Milk Monitor and also remember running errands as a Scout for the various Italian Prisoners of war who worked in and around 1941/2. My school reports (dated from Feb ’42 – Aug ’44) cruelly show that I was as much at home in a school as probably a vegan in an abbatoir – (and hope I do not offending anyone!!!) Classes averaged 48-50 with Dyke-Meek as Headmaster and J.E. Beaven as Teacher and went to TBHS on a £1 fee and found it an entry into another world. Particularly geography – for I ended up in the Royal Navy as 16 and saw the world and have rarely come home since. Would live to hear from anyone there 1942 – 44. Would be fun to go down Memory Lane via Wesley Rd. Dream on!!!! many thanks…Peter Shore
Yes best days at newtown school I was there from 1985-1990 a d guess who was my teacher yes Mr milroy himself and I’ve got to say what a teacher I really have never forgot him the school trips to swanage and Isle of Wight great times
Thanks. Mr milroy
Thanks Simon for your comment, and also for your interest in our website – Andy Milroy is and always has been a part of the Trowbridge landscape, and his passion for the town has been widely recognised.