My book of English place names lists 16 communities containing the word 'Ashby'. But for AOEs of a 'certain age' there is only one: Ashby de la Zouch.

For this is the small market town in Leicestershire to which the bulk of King Edward's, Aston was evacuated at the outbreak of war in September 1939.

By the time I arrived at school this huge event was already becoming a distant memory, such is the nature of schools with their annual turnover of pupils.

So this is a story that can be told only by those who experienced it. Watcyn Thomas does so in his book 'Rugby Playing Man' (1977). I know from Harry Tyson that he went there before 'the King made him an offer he couldn't refuse' (his words!). Stan Calvert, Billy and Mrs Chivers, Eric and Mrs Pedley went too, as did Henry Reed. But the best account I have seen was written by his namesake, though no relation, Geoff Reed (Aston 1939). Based on what Geoff has written I plan visiting Ashby to take some photos 'for the record'.

From what Geoff tells me lessons were taken in several places, including the Boys' Grammar School which was shared with its original inhabitants. They used it in the mornings and our lads in the afternoons. Other classrooms were to be found at Hood School, Gayflats and the Manor House. Dormitories were located at St Helen's (where Stan Calvert and Eric and Mrs Pedley were housemaster/house parents), and the Manor House where the Brandons were in residence. Billy and Mrs Chivers lived on Leicester Road opposite the Grammar School, and had boys living with them too.

George Painter stayed at Aston and headed the school there on a temporary basis. I imagine the likes of Frank Jones - retired three years previously - would have returned to the colours, as did many retired teachers across the country. The building was shared with boys from Central Grammar School, headed by Norman Loveridge, an AOE (1895) - their 'Mr Chips' - who is to be found on the Honours Boards in 'Big School'. On his staff was a young teacher, Ted Pickering, who must have been 'poached' at some point.

No good ever came of poaching!

This photograph, kindly made available by John Perfect, appeared in the Birmingham Evening Mail:

Any offers on names? (Geoff Reed believes this photograph was taken on the steps of the Bath Assembly Rooms)

I hope what Geoff Reed and I have written will stir the memories of those who remember this phase of the school's history. I am in no doubt of its importance, because I believe it led to the 'Longdon era'.