THE late Harry Taylor (he died in 1999, aged 88) was a well-known photographer for many years in Bournemouth, and his son Howard, who lives in Boscombe, has kindly loaned Snapshots these pictures taken at Portchester School, which he attended between 1952-56.

The school opened in 1940 as Portchester Road Senior Boys School in the former premises of Bournemouth Grammar School for Boys, which relocated to East Way.

The first headmaster was Mr E A Povah, who ran the school during the Second World War. His successor, Mr B J H Eaton (head from 1945-56, and later awarded an OBE for his services to education), is still fondly remembered by many former pupils for his determination to give boys who had failed to pass the 11-plus the opportunity to enter national exams and achieve high grades.

The next head, Mr Frederick Castle, served until 1968. He was a county cricketer and hockey player as well as a fine musician.

Mr William Gould became head on Mr Castle's retirement, and it was during his 10-year term that the first new teaching block opened on Harewood Avenue, when the school had its own playing fields for the first time.

For 10 years boys spent alternate days at each site, until, in 1985, with Mr Alan Wilcox as headmaster, the school was finally settled at Littledown, with the opening of the art, design and technology block.

The famous old school was vacated in 1985 and demolished in 1986.