IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Old Hereford Road, ABERGAVENNY, NP7 6EP

My old alma mater no less - originally a grammar school was established here in the 1950's I believe (the three-storey block on the right) which was extended in the early 1970's into a courtyard style flat-roofed concrete building out of shot, just in time to convert to a Comprehensive school system in the 1970's in time for my arrival. The main entrance to Upper School (home to senior pupils) lies ahead with the Assembly Hall to the left. The Abergavenny Leisure Centre is to the left also with the old gymnasium changing rooms to the right. Needless to say thousands of memories flood back into my mind as I look at this scene (from old school photos on the lawn bank to first kisses, recollection of old teachers, the music of the day and every square metre comes alive with a little tableau or scenario). The same for every ex-pupil I expect. We survived.

Viewed across Old Hereford Road. King Henry VIII School was established in 1542. It is now a co-educational comprehensive school for 11-18 year olds. Previously located in the building now occupied by The Drama Centre, http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2745066 the school moved here in the 1960s. The site is shared with Abergavenny's Leisure Centre. There are about 1,150 pupils enrolled of which 180 are in the sixth form.

This OS cut mark can be found on the Cemetery wall. It marks a point 78.961m above mean sea level.

Houses numbered 1 to 55 (odd numbers only) are arranged along three side of a rectangle at the eastern end of Rother Avenue, near the Old Hereford Road junction.

A Londis store is on the Rother Avenue side of the corner. The Underhill Crescent side is occupied by Frydays Fish Bar.

Located in a Rother Avenue garage. Abergavenny Community House is a registered charity.

Lower School as it was known in my day, as it educated the new entrants from age 11 years up to 15 years - a fine seat of learning with a large intake of pupils from the town and surrounding rural villages and farms. Some 1,500 pupils in my era if I recall correctly - and every ability range and personality type seemed to be represented in this educational melting pot. Every year the school could claim a few Oxbridge entrants as well as a few expelled for achievements at the opposite end of the scale. Never a dull moment. I can recall snowballing the buses dropping off kids from Govilon, Llanfoist and Llanellen, Grosmont, Forest Coal Pit and Llanthony and Cross Ash - I also recall fights, teachers, illicit smoking and the daily walk to and from school. Yes, walk. In all weathers.

The cemetery dates from 1845. The entrance is in the SW corner, from Old Hereford Road.

View west along this residential road.