I REMEMBER living in Gosfield and working in Halstead. My short stay, five years, mostly as Head of Trinity, was a splendid time.

I quickly fitted in to the area, coaching a little at the Football Club, secretary of Gosfield Tennis Club, member of the Rotary Club, Secretary and Treasurer of the Gosfield Parochial Council.

I left because my children had places at schools in the South, near my family area.

They had an excellent education at Gosfield Village School, underlining the Foreword to the last “Handbook for the Consideration of Teachers”, published by the Government, which stated that where there were two good teachers, these were the best schools in the country for young children.

My son went on to be an Aeronautical Engineer with Rolls Royce and among many other amusing things, he became Great Britain’s Champion Plumber, and then Champion Wall Coatings expert.

At 75 he played recently for the England Veterans Football Team and is still an expert Glider Pilot. I kicked off the International Match.

A very full life has not blurred my memories of the area.

J. Shannon

Duchy Road

Harrogate