When I was a child it is fair to say,

We had just as much fun as children today.

We would play marbles in the street,

Swapping comics with friends we would meet.

Dandy, Beano, Film Fun too,

We’d sit on a step and read them through.

Scrumping apples, just for a lark,

Rowing a boat in Swanshurst Park.

Down to Happy Valley to paddle a canoe

We had lots of things to do.

A piece of jam, a bottle of cold tea,

Then down to the canal we would flee.

Over the ‘cut’, through Jubilee Park,

Then play in the bluebell wood until it was dark.

Now it’s always fun to play in a wood,

We lads pretended .. we were Robin Hood.

But where are the woods now for children to play?

They have all gone ... I am so sad to say.

Back home now .. for it is time for bed,

Time to lay our weary head.

Now of all the places I have seen,

I’m glad I was a child in ACOCKS GREEN.

Dennis Simons (Born 14^th July 1932)

Dolphin Lane School : 24th August 1937 to 22^nd July 1943

Getting Started

Buildings – Meeting the Changing Needs

The School Staff – Comings and Goings

A Broader Education – Talks, Festivals and Visits

Concerts and Performances – A Chance to Show Off

Christmas Celebrations

Royal Occasions – Visits and Celebration Holidays

Physical Activities – Athletics, P.T. and Games

Fund Raising – Helping Others and Supporting Ourselves

Medical Matters – The Doctor, The Dentist and the ‘Nit’ Nurse

Accidents and Misfortunes – Cuts, Bruises and Even Worse

Transgressions – Naughty, Naughty!!

The Air Raid Shelter Saga – Keeping the Children Safe

Evacuation – From Birmingham to the Countryside and Back

Appendix 1 Birmingham Educational Districts & School Lists

Appendix 2 New Pupils’ Previous Named Schools

Appendix 3 Sketch Map of the Local Roads Housing Dolphin Lane Pupils

Appendix 4 Memories – Dennis Simons