SCHOOL days! Who can forget them hey? For the more mature amongst you, the smell of boiled cabbage, the sound of chalk furiously attacking blackboards, the sadistic whip of a cold-hearted cane and the monotonous recital of Latin will have all conspired in darkened corridors to create a period of life unlike no other.

For those of fresher face and leaner year, there will be a host of different memories associated with the learned life.

The shrill cry of a red-faced and slightly overweight PE teacher. The dreaded two-fold weariness of Monday morning, double math. The bite of an all conquering conker on a sore knuckle come a crisp October morning, and the riotous stampede of dirty white trainers, scuffed Doc Martins and Joe Bloggs beating a triumphant march to liberation come Friday afternoon, 3.30pm.

Simply put, school is an educational experience. Take a look at the hordes of happy, smiling faces in this month’s picture and dare to tell us otherwise.

“Where on earth was that photograph taken!” We hear you snarl. Well allow us to answer your humble enquiries.

The picture was sent in by Abergavenny Chronicle reader and former town mayor John Lewis.

It’s of Hereford Road School during the 1939 - 1940 term.

John’s older brother David Lewis is featured in the photograph in the second row, second from left. As is a young Raymond Hardcastle, in the bottom row, second from right.

Not many pictures of this old school exist, and what we want to know, are you in the photo, or do any of the faces in the picture look familiar. In fact, if you were a pupil/teacher at Hereford Road school and have a few memories or additional pictures you’d like to share, then please don’t be shy and get in touch by telephoning Tim Butters on 01873 852187, or by emailing [email protected].

Additionally if you’ve got any old photos or memories involving the Abergavenny area you feel could benefit from an airing then drop us a line. There could be gold stars involved!