Reference
AU10/88/1
Title
Questionnarie on Ampthill National School by Andrew Underwood completed by Dorothy Negus of Ampthill:
- Q. Can you remember any of the Headmasters BEFORE Mr.Searle? If so, who? What do you remember about them?
- A. No
- Q. What do you remember about Mr.Searle?
- A. He was very charming, talented, humorous; a gentleman
- Q. In what year approximately do you first remember him?
- A. [not completed]
- Q. Were you in any of his operas and concerts?
- A. Yes
- Q. Can you name them, and give the name of the part you played?
- A. Chorus "Ali Baba & Forty Thieves", "The Magic Cup", "Pepin King of No Man's Land", "Yosemite Land" all wonderful fun. Empire day May 24th Britannia & all the colonies was represented - a very attractive set up (Have a photograph if interested)
- Q. Can you remember who else was in them, and the parts they took?
- A. Yes! All the scholars 4 others of my family (characters were played by adults)
- Q. Do you recall any anecdotes or amusing incidents attached to these operas?
- A. One night before the curtain was due to rise a box of dresses were missing. Great excitement diving thro' the Orchestra to find them under the stage.
- Q. Can you remember any of the teachers at any of the schools in the town before the 1st World War? What can you remember about the schools?
- A. National School: Mrs.Minney; Mr.Stanley Northwood; Mrs.James; Miss.E.Stanbridge; Miss Smith (Tempford). Our school life was grand, the "Operettas" Concert etc Our school life was grand, the "Operettas" Concerts etc that Mr.S arranged were always lovely & have afforded us many many pleasant memories to laugh and talk one through the years
Date free text
1956
Production date
From: 1900 To: 1956
Level of description
item