We had a new contact from Nanette Reid:

"My name before I married was Nanette Reid, but I was known as Nan at Holmston. I lived in Gordon Terrace and attended Holmston from September 1939 till June 1946.

"Unfortunately, although friends sent me details of last year's reunion, I didn't manage to attend. I did add my name to the list of pupils who were at Holmston in my time, and intended to send an e-mail as well, but am only getting round to it now.

"I remember the names of all my teachers and the headmaster, Mr. Ballantyne. When I was in Ayr earlier this year I met up with Fay Gibson, who was in my class, and we compared memories. We agreed on most things, but I could remember one more teacher than she could.

" We started with Miss Drinnan, who was short, stout, and something of a tartar. I recall my second teacher as being Mrs. Buchan, a much more motherly lady, whose son John and daughter Sandra I recall at Ayr Academy. Fay does not remember her at all. Then it was Miss Knox, tall and slim, who lived in Castlehill Road. I had relations who also lived there, and for years Miss Knox used to ask how I was getting on.

"Then came Mrs. Fairlie, as I remember younger than the previous teachers, followed by Miss Bryan and Miss Kirkland, the former a bit 'softer' than the latter. After them came Miss Anderson, who we all rather dreaded, and who was nicknamed 'black Aggie' but never in her hearing. You behaved yourself in her class. I had a brief claim to fame that year, as I was involved in a car accident outside the school one afternoon, and spent some time at home as a result. Miss Anderson came to visit me and she brought me her sweet ration!! I was regarded with some awe when I got back and reported this. It probably goes to show that Miss Anderson was quite human after all, but at our age we didn't appreciate that.

"When I started at Holmston there was one male teacher, Mr. Fraser, who I think taught the Qualifying Class, but by the time we reached that stage he had gone, presumably called up. Our Qualifying teacher was Mrs. Smith. She was dark haired and I think wore her hair in a bun. I can still remember some of the poetry we learned in her class.

"In all I clearly remember eight teachers, which gives rise to a problem. I was only at the school for seven years. Presumably my class spent six months each with two teachers, but I have no idea which two. Any information from others who were there then would be appreciated.

" I left Ayr on my marriage in 1965 and now live in Canterbury in Kent, though I keep in touch with friends in Ayr and manage up for a few days most years. I was widowed in 1986, but remarried in 1992. I have a son and a daughter, but as yet no grandchildren. However my husband has four grandsons, so at least I get to be a step-nan.

"I would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to get in touch. My e-mail address is ..."

Just after the last issue hit the streets, we got mail from Jeff Wilson, also in Canada. He asked us to pass a message to one of our FPs, but his mail is likely to bring back memories for more of you.

"HELLO ...

"You may or may not remember me? I think I was one grade above you, my brother George Wilson (Pud) was in your brother Charlie's class, they were the best of friends!

"Charlie used to come to our house and sleep over, we used to have some great times, I remember playing as a child in Craigie Woods sword fighting with George, Charlie, Johnny McCubbin, Jackie Watson, Jimmy McIlveen, Graham Christie, and a few others. George lost contact with most of these lads because when they all left primary school they went on to Belmont Academy, George went to Mainholm Academy.

"George unfortunately died at a very young age of 19 years. Charlie will remember him as Pud, my name is Jeff Wilson you might remember me as Chalky.

"I no longer live in bonny old Ayr, I moved to Toronto, Canada in 1985 where I work for Air Canada in the Air Maintenance Department.

"I really enjoy going into the Holmston Web Page reading the old stories from former pupils and teachers. It keeps me in touch with my past and where I came from. Please say hello to Charlie for me, and if you get time drop me an e-mail. Feel free to give my e-mail address to anyone who might know or remember me from the good old days...

"JEFF WILSON"