SO, it's official then. Sladen C of E Middle School in Kidderminster is due to close its doors with a dreadful clang on Friday, July 20, 2007, thus bringing to an end successful training from 1940.

Despite protests from many people who resent the closure, the inevitable end is now set to happen. We protesters must bow our heads to those in educational authority who think they know best.

Our founding headmaster, the late Ralph Tweddle, laid down in no uncertain terms the principles upon which the school would operate. Self-discipline and courtesy was to be absolute.

How could one respect another without self-discipline? Courtesy meant that when a visitor entered a classroom, the class rose in silent respect - to remain standing until told to sit.

Of late, Sladen has been put on a very successful academic course by headteacher Tom Revell and his loyal staff.

Tom is currently overseeing the demise of Sladen with an ever-reducing number of teachers as the end of the school approaches.

What a terrible waste! He will be forced to employ temporary teachers - as and when he can get them.

A tremendous amount of righteous feeling has, and still is, directed to Sladen. I testify to this as chairman and general secretary of Old Sladenians.

During my attendance s a pupil between 1948-1952 Sladen had a total of approximately 440 pupils. These were spread between four academic years. Classes were mixed - boys and girls - and averaged some 40-odd per class.

The Old Sladenians association currently has a membership of 369. Our numbers continue to rise. What started off as a simple get-together of my class of 1951-52 has exceeded our wildest expectations.

Our class is complete except for David Wilkins. Where is David now? He left Sladen in 1951-52 and worked for a Kidderminster gentleman's outfitters.

We are appealing to ALL Sladen former pupils. Now is your chance to join the ranks of we Old Sladenians. If you want to attend the 2006 reunion, contact me now. Attendance is by written invitation only.

GEOFFREY LLOYD

Daneways

35 Talbot Fields

High Ercall

Telford

Email: geoff@

gloyderdrome.com