I started school in 1939. Rumney Infants school and Junior school were in the same building.

The Senior school was a separate one-storey building with a separate entrance lower down Wentloog road.

I always seemed to be late. The long driveway leading to the school from Wentloog Road seemed endless.

I spent many a playtime standing in the corner of Mr Moore's room. He was our well loved headmaster.

It was a mixed school and in desperation he gave me a mild taste of the cane and told me that I was the first girl that he had ever had to cane. I don't think that I have ever been late for anything since.

School sports days were a joy. The only race I ever won was the Book Balancing race.

The boys had great fun with the Late for School race and the Tug of War.

During the air raids we used to have a great time singing songs (ten green bottles etc) in the school shelter.

Some times we were allowed to run home if we lived near enough to the village schools.

I have a photograph of Miss Knowles class dressed ready for an Empire day concert - I was Miss England.

In the photo I am in a bride's maid dress between Britannia and the Welsh girl.

I had to say: "I am Miss England. My cross is on the Union Jack. In England we make many things, like Wool and Steel, and are glad of the help from our Colonies."

At first the Rumney schools had St George's Day concerts then later they celebrated St David's Day, but I can only remember celebrating St David's Day.

Brenda Ridler nee Wakeling - Swansea - June 2006