A FORMER Bridgwater teacher is hoping to get in touch with old school pupils and friends for a ‘trip down memory lane’.

John Carter, aged 80, sent in a handwritten letter to the Bridgwater Mercury asking for help to spread the word.

“I am 80 years of age and not well - I have wish to walk down memory lane,” Mr Carter writes.

“I was born in North Petherton in 1938 and educated at St Margaret’s in Bridgwater and Taunton School, and played rugby and cricket for Petherton and Bridgwater United.”

After attending university, Mr Carter taught at Westover Boys School in 1960/61, before heading to Sydenham School from 1961 to 1966, and lived in Bridgwater, near The Malt Shovel.

He went on to teach at Broadoak School in Weston-super-Mare until retiring in the late 1990s.

“At Sydenham School I started the Cadet Corps and Band,” John said.

“We went all over the county playing for charity events. They were very good - I remember David Deadman, Mike Searle, Ken Chapman in particular.”

Mr Carter also ended up as a North Somerset councillor in 1995 and again in 1999.

“I would like to speak to any old pupils, and especially the Army Cadets from Sydenham.

“I must have taught hundreds of children from Bridgwater and the surrounding area.”

Mr Carter also said he would like to hear from any of the Duckett family from Combwich.

“I believe they no longer live there - but Hazel married a Mike Owen.”

John was married in 1961 to the daughter of Irish international rugby player Myles Abraham.

To get in contact with John, you can write to him at 13 Stanhope Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 4LP or give him a call on 01934 415472.