St. Brigid's PS Carnhill celebrates 50th anniversary: Two Pykes tell their tales

Carole Pyke says she first encountered St. Brigid's in September 1981 when her youngest son Kevin went into Mrs O'Neill's P1 class. She has nothing but the fondest memories of the school.

She remembers that first occasion well: "Kevin was, from day one, a happy child who progressed well through the school. He became captain of the football team and took part in many out of class activities including the annual school play produced by the school headmaster Mr. McMahon. I spent a lot of time following him about the place and became aware of the excellent running of the school. It was a lovely place. He finished his primary education in P7 with Mrs Anne Grant."

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After secondary education Carole's husband was relocated to the Isles of Scilly where Kevin became involved with the catering trade.

And that has turned into his life-long passion: "He went on to be a chef in various establishments worldwide. After returning to Derry he spent a short term placement in a London restaurant where he discovered street food. He took the chance to open his own version in Derry so becoming the pioneer of street food in the city. He now has a very successful business in Derry namely Pyke n Pommes."

In the year 2000 Carole secured a job as a P1 classroom assistant at the school 19 years after my first experience of St Brigid's. And she had a lovely time.

"Although retired now I am still friends with the staff I worked with and have fond memories of working with Mrs Tina Ruddy, Mrs Danielle McLaughlin and Mrs Cora McDermott who I spent most of my years with.

"Cora made the work both educational and fun at the same time. We had many wonderful experiences together. The annual nativity play was a special undertaking probably harder than putting on a performance of Macbeth. And the humour of the children was also very special. I remember one small pupil on her first day asking me 'Are you St Brigid?'"

Carole concluded: "I had 14 very happy and fulfilling years at the school. But I haven’t finished with the school yet as my 3 grandsons are pupils in P2, P4 and P6 so I still have a connection.

Carole's aforementioned son, Kevin joins with his mother in her memories saying that he too has nothing but great memories of his school days.

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Kevin Pyke: "I spent seven happy years at St. Brigid's. The teachers Mrs O'Neill, Mr Cassidy and Mrs Grant taught me the values and principles which I use today. I made lifelong friends who I still socialise with to this day. I have a constant reminder due to my friend John McDaid's mother Pauline who taught us Art - my attempt still hangs on the wall in my home!

"When my three sons came to school age it was no contest where they would go. They are now enjoying the same education I received and are being taught to be the best they can be."