In 1964 my family moved from a large town in Northamptonshire to the small country village of Deeping St James. As a 10 year old, the 11 plus was looming and my parents were concerned that the move would negatively affect my chances of passing. They hadn't reckoned on the kind, nurturing character and tutelage of Mr Paul Knight. Mr Knight was my teacher at DSJ Primary School (the Cross School) for that important year of my life. Coming from a class of 50 children to a much smaller, intimate school with no more than 20 in my class, the situation was ideal. Mr Knight was a wonderful teacher, so patient and kind, softly spoken and best friend to us all. I eventually went on to become a teacher myself and over the years have thought of him often. A very special gentleman. RIP Sir.

Trudy Sparks (née Matthews)