How ‘Pop’ Mason got his name

My name is Lawrence Thorpe. Born 1937. I went to Peckham Rd school in Autumn 1948. I was put in Mr Bonsors class. 1A. In one of the brick classrooms opposite the Gym. Mr. Mason joined the school early in 1952 and became our teacher in 4A in the same brick classroom. Other classmates were, Arthur Falcon, Arnold Hall, Billy Coleman, Douglas Drinkwater and myself who Dougie nicknamed Linnet, or Lin. I bear the distinction of naming Mr Mason, Pop. When his name was mentioned as a new teacher there was a lemonade company in Birmingham called Mason’s. Thereby, I started his nickname that lasted down the years. Other teachers at that time were Mr Hall, Mr Haskey, Mr, Burrell, my teacher of 3A Mr Stoppard, Mr Bloxham a highly respected junior head master. I was in the athletics team in 1950 and 1952.