I HAVE recently had the very good fortune to meet gentleman Percy Trodd who will be receiving a birthday card from the Queen next year as he will be a centenarian.

This delightful man has just had another book published.

It is entitled AVM (Anna Valley Motors) and Surrounding Area and is full of a lifetime of memories. A multitude of pictures accompany a thoroughly good read!

There are many gems from the past and with Percy’s kind permission I can reveal that Western Road had two schools for girls.

Yes that’s right! For did you know that number four was Rookwood House which was the original site of Rookwood School. Before long the establishment moved to Weyhill Road. Number four is now the British Legion Club.

At number six is Wykeham House, a truly special High School for girls run by the two Misses Richardson.

The pupils were boarders and the subjects contained within the vast curriculum included eight languages.

Every pupil, without exception, went on to university.

What magnificent seats of learning at four and six !

John Porter Millway Road, Andover