Teachers' Bridge from bottom field - a point where the majority of us stopped and looked to see if anyone from Staff was watching what we were doing!

This photograph - like the others above - dates from 1903. 

Does anyone remember the woodwork and plant canopy?

Just by way of contrast - here is a photo taken during the Winter of 1958 - snow everywhere.

Article and illustration by Mary Reader. From Ayton Old Scholars' Association Magazine for 1961

The old bridge over the Leven - the Teachers' Bridge, as it is always known, has had to be rebuilt partially this summer when it was realised that many of the planks were beginning to wear badly. Those in charge of the operation felt it right to preserve as far as possible, the original stanchions and ironwork, which have now been painted light grey and give the whole structure an attractive delicacy of form.

In passing, it might be added that the bridge dates from 1841 when the grounds were being laid out for the new Ayton School by Henry Pease and Philip Heselton. The latter was left to himself to finish the grounds, but without authority to build a bridge. Philip Heselton, feeling that the grounds would look unfinished without a bridge, mentioned the matter to Thomas Richardson who asked the probable cost, and was told about ten pounds. The following day, Thomas Richardson came up to Philip Heselton with a paper in his hand, which he presented with the words, "Take that, cousin Philip, and make your bridge.” It was a cheque for ten pounds and was yet another instance of the open handed benevolence of this generous man. Now the repairs are completed, in its present excellent condition it should remain for many years to come a pleasing link with the school's early days.

Mary Reader.