In the first of two articles, Terry Joyes reflects on his 12-year journey to publishing a book about the history of Wanstead High School, just in time for the school’s 100th anniversary next month
The other day I was looking through some old emails, an exercise in which I’m sure many nostalgic hoarders would find indulgence, and I found one dated 2012. Not all that old, but it was its very content that gave it significance. It was part of the correspondence between myself and the late Patrick Renshaw that had given life to my initial idea of compiling a history of Wanstead High School.
Patrick and I had both been pupils at the school, although Patrick was in the year above mine. We also had two conditions in common: we were both born in West Ham and both enjoyed a love of history, he professionally but I as a professed amateur.
In 2012, Wanstead High School was within two years of celebrating its 90th anniversary. There had been such enjoyment of the 75th anniversary in 1999 that the proposition of a further reunion was indeed compelling.
I was delighted to know, through our correspondence, that a professional historian such as Patrick was enthusiastic to the point of offering not only advice but also to writing an essay to set the historical circumstances in which Wanstead High School was born on 23 September 1924. With Patrick’s enthusiasm raising my own expectations of myself, I questioned, nevertheless, my own ability as an historian to undertake such a task. Patrick spurred me on, although he was in a different league; a widely published author of works on the US and its worker population, he was awarded Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. How could I begin to consider collaboration with one of such stature in academia?
Although subject to an inward constraint, I was emboldened to find my collection of important prime evidence and documentation – most of which I had accumulated before and after the 1999 reunion – could be used as building blocks for a projected book; ideas began to flow. Meanwhile, Patrick honoured his commitment to provide a background history, both political and social in context, and I admit to being flattered when he sent me drafts for my consideration. I came to understand the nature of Patrick’s generosity.
The project Patrick and I were pursuing was due for completion by 2014; but we were to be thwarted. The school found itself in line for a rigorous Ofsted inspection, one which would consume the thinking and attitudes of staff so that all preparatory actions became assessment-oriented. Fear of Ofsted’s visit prior to any reunion necessitated cancellation of the 90th anniversary celebration, and with it was lost the impetus we had shared in producing the book. Our initial enthusiasm was dormant, and as I will explain next month, it took a pandemic to revive our interest.
A reunion will take place at the school on 22 September. For more information and to order a copy of The Story of Wanstead High School by Terry Joyes and Patrick Renshaw, visit wnstd.com/whs100
