The day I ate the school’s pork pie (From York Press)

The day I ate the school’s pork pie

10:03am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Letters

WITH reference to the reminiscences of Mr Elsegood (The Press, February 6), I too was a Blue Coat Boy.

I spent seven years at the school, leaving a year before Mr Elsegood entered. His memories resemble my own, with particular reference to the occasion when his brother was struck by Mr Amos.

This was a common occurrence. Mr Amos was a Jekyll and Hyde character, avuncular to visitors but brutal in his treatment of the boys. He wore a signet ring and one of our pastimes was to compare bruises to see who could exhibit the most complete replica of the ring.

For a period I was Matron’s prefect and had to collect shopping. On a cold winter’s day, I visited Wrights Butchers where an elderly woman took pity and bought me a Wrights pork pie – the nearest thing to heaven I could recall.

A week or so later, I was dragged in front of my class and beaten by Mr Amos, who accused me of having stolen from my school mates.

It was eventually explained that a pork pie, given to me as a representative of the school, had been eaten by me instead of being handed in for the benefit of all!

J Smith, Willow Glade, Huntington, York.