To many of us, it seems only yesterday that we were celebrating our 60th anniversary but here we are, about to celebrate our 70th anniversary. We are holding an informal get together/garden party in the school grounds, on Sunday, 9th September 2007, (time to be decided), which will be the exact date of the 70th anniversary. All are invited.C u there. (All former pupils please note how cool I am, I too can use text speak!)

Hi Brenda, Yes do keep in touch with Peter and Graham plus a few others from the Youth Club. Those really were good days - I don't envy the youngsters of today, they have too many pressures. Sorry to hear Jack & Bess are not too well. My parents still live in the same house that they moved into in 1948 and my dad (88) now does all the cooking and most household chores as my mum has dementia. I have three children (oldest almost 40) and a delighful granddaughter of nearly 15. Where have all the years gone? Best wishes, Charlie Fairweather.

Yes Charlie Fairweather, I do remember you helping out in the off-licence and so do my parents, Jack and Bess! They are both 85 but sadly neither of them is in the best of health. Great times in the shop were had with and by all 'Jack's Little Helpers' especially at Christmas time - a lot of hard work but good fun too. We are still in touch with Peter Spooner and Graham Quinton-Tulloch at Christmas time - I expect you remember them too. As you say, fond memories.

we have no contact details for you-and I think your sister's e-mail address has changed. I don't have my records with me at present but I do remember finding the Baggot family some years ago.

i was at the school from 1957 to 1960 when we left to live abroad. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me from the school or cubs. What happened to our next door neighbours the Baggots?

Just read the message concerning the demise of the Ilford Palais. I worked for Ilford Ltd. in the early 60's and the Company Christmas dances were held at the Palais to the music of the Phil Tate band - and very enjoyable they were too. The message also mentions Brenda Graisgour - I hope she will remember me as one of Jack's little helpers at the Aldborough Road Off Licence. Frightening to think that almost half a century has passed since those fondly remembered times.

Thankyou for messaging me.I am pleased you have done so well and have good memories of the Torbitt School. So have I! I worked with a great many excellent staff and so many lovely children. Working there was always a pleasure.

I got this message from Brenda Graisgour:

"Just thought you'd be interested to know that the 'Ilford Palais' has been demolished to make way for........guess what..........MORE FLATS!!!! I never actually went there but somehow it was always a part of Ilford, even though there were some ugly scenes there over the years, fights, a murder etc. "

Now I did go there and have fond memories of evenings inside plus my first car shunt was directly outside when someone ran into the back of my mini on a wet road.

Just to say to Peter Barker, that I have written to June and hopefully she will post a message in reply.

does anyone know how june richards is she briefly taught me before moving on to head also miss barlow just like to say big thanks I didn't end up all bad