ONE cannot write about Swan Bay without mentioning Mulwee Public School which first opened for business in 1889.

From what I have read it really was a wonderful school that taught from eight to 31 pupils before closing nearly 100 years later.

One of the typical stories was told by George Lilley who enrolled in 1949.

“I clearly remember my first teacher, Miss Martin, a kind and understanding person, so much so, that if you misbehaved in class and you cried after a caning, she would give you a cuddle and end up crying with you.

“I also remember her being elderly, she used to use a large looking glass for reading and correcting our work and whenever there was a chance someone would take the opportunity of using her glass to burn holes in any of the worksheets.

“She would think that someone had been smoking and kept us all in after school to find the culprit.”

Rosemaree Davis recalled her teacher Mr Griffiths doubling her to school until she could get her own bike.

Peter and Wendy Dobson remember well the day that Glenn Davis killed a huge black snake on his way to school.

Glenn slung the snake around his neck to show everyone his prize.

This was not a good idea, especially for the passing tourist who drove his car into the roadside ditch.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE