Roger Springett taught at the Gilberd School for 38 years

The 66-year-old made contact after reading our piece on old teaching colleague Eddie Ross and student Glyn Overbury, now based in Australia.

Mr Springett joined the Gilberd School - then on North Hill, Colchester - as a student with Mr Overbury in 1966 before leaving in 1973.

He has a number of photos from those years, including one of the rugby team they both played for, coached by John McAleavey.

Class 1G - this Gilberd School photo featured in our previous nostalgia piece, about teacher Eddie Ross and former student Glyn Overbury

One of the pictures is of his Year 4 (now Year 10) cricket team, who had a successful season, helped by team coach Mr Rouse. It was taken in 1970.

Another is of the school football team, taken during the 1970/71 season.

Mr Springett has two brothers, Michael and Steven, who were at the school during the 1960s and 70s.

Michael was headboy in 1968, attending from 1962 until 1969.

In the saddle - a current picture of former long-serving teacher Roger Springett

In addition to being a student, Mr Springett recently retired after teaching at his old school for 38 years.

Meanwhile, we received two positive emails following the nostalgia piece about Mr Ross and Mr Overbury.

Former classmate Paul Fookes, who now lives in County Durham, said: "Many thanks for running the story on Class 1G.

"As the article said, we were guinea pigs for learning German, as previously French was the only option at the Gilberd.

Family affair - Roger Springett (right) with brothers Michael (centre) and Steven, in their Gilberd School uniforms. The siblings attended Prettygate Primary School and the Gilberd School before leaving home to attend Loughborough College of Education

"I remember those days well.

"German was my favourite and best subject.

"I can still recognise all those faces and names and, like Glyn, will always remember Mr Ross with fond memories. Without doubt, he was the best teacher ever.

"I know he will remember me as I was always the class clown. The detention book was never far away from me!

Official photo - this picture of Roger was taken during his first year at the Gilberd School, in 1966/7

"Myself and a few others also managed to miss the train at Hamburg station on the trip to Germany.

"Poor Mr Ross had to come back and find us.

"Please pass on my regards to him and my thanks for sticking with me and getting me over the line for my German O-Level.

"Also, regards to all my old classmates."

Form 1M - this picture of Roger's class features form tutor Wendy Rawlingson

Pamela Moncur, meanwhile, wrote: "I was one of the pupils in 1G.

"A friend dropped round a copy of the paper and it was great to see all the old faces.

"I still remember most of the names.

"I have the same photo in a booklet that was produced for a Gilberd School reunion.

Howzat! - Roger's Year 4 (now Year 10) cricket team, who had a successful season under the guidance of coach Mr Rouse. The picture was taken in 1970

"It must have been 30 years-plus ago and was the last time I saw Mr Ross.

"What I remember most about him, apart from his ability to make lessons fun, is that, as a member of the netball team, he always found time to watch our home matches.

"Lovely memories of a remarkable teacher."

If you have old school photos to share, email matt.plummer@newsquest.co.uk

Team spirit - Roger and the Gilberd's football team, taken during the 1970/71 season. The side was coached by Roy Massey

Scrum down - this picture is of the Gilberd’s rugby team, proudly showing off the North-East Essex Schools Seven-a-Side Shield. The team was coached by John McAleavey. Glyn Overbury, who featured in our previous nostalgia piece, is on the back row, third from the left

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