His first name was Bill. The bummer bit was probably more alliterative than a reflection on his sexual orientation. His surname was spelt Bernard (as in Bernard Tennant - wonder what happened to him?). As to Basher B's 'Oscar' that Dave Boddy refers to. Probably all in Albert's mind although he used to use a fiddle-shaped wooden paddle specially made for him in woodwork (would you believe it?) by 'Smellie' Bailey with much verve and alacrity.Talk about 'kiss the rod'!

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) gwalker@diocant.org

This is just to advise Geoff, that I am in occasional contact with Bernard Tennant. He is a dentist in Christchurch, Hants. He has infact seen this website.

Reference to Basher Braithwaite's 'Oscar'. This WMD really did exist and was not purely cerebral. It was actually the back leg of a wooden chair he used to use - called the action "the chop" as witnessed by the vertical downward strike on the edge of the buttocks. Quite painful and proved a worthy reminder not to forget particular calculus formulae! No Court of Human Rights in those days...

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) anthonysmith@riparia.freeserve.co.uk

Wasn't bummer Bill the one who used to hitch hike home after school.He lived in Leeds I think.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) ray.land@lineone.net

You are right about him hitching home, and living in Leeds. Whether he hitched into school in a morning seems unlikely. Too chancy, I would have thought.

I heard that he used to get a lift to Leeds in a bakers' van. One day, the driver wasn't in the van, so he leapt in anyway. It wasn't the usual driver! Bummer got a black eye. Can anyone verify this?

Cant verify the Bakers van story, but I did see him one morning thumbing a lift outside Bingley GS.Perhaps he knew someone who worked there or maybe he'd just forgotten where he taught.

Actually one of the more ridiculous KBGS stories about an eccentric KBGS science teacher, But actually true! His trousers stopped half way up his leg. Quite frankly he was mad as a hatter.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1961-68

Current location (optional) Leeds

Halfway down his leg, surely?

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 55/60

Current location (optional) Harrogate

He may have been VERY eccentric, Alec.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-65

Current location (optional) Leeds

What abut his ridiculous chemical experiment of pouring watered-down acid on a certain pupil called Fletcher. The acid spilled across his forearm and Fletcher collapsed to the floor in great pain.

We all laughed except Fletcher and his parents. Bummer was summoned to Watthey's office and somehow survived without appearing in court or being sacked. I can still remember the red scars on Fletcher's arm.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1961-68

Current location (optional) Settle