ABOUT THE WEBMASTER

    When Paul first asked me to write this introduction to himself for his site I jumped at the chance of a platform to air my grievances for the way he behaved towards me during our formative years. However with the passing of time comes maturity, reason and wisdom, in short I felt ashamed that I had even considered this course of action, when it was obvious that this subject warranted nothing less than it’s own site (www.mygitofabrother.co.uk), a novel and possibly a T.V. Movie. 

Paul Dart was born in 1967 to Roy and Moira Dart. After a brief spell living in the Leytonstone area, Paul became a Wanstodian after the arrival, in 1971, of a younger (and to this day more handsome and charming) brother (that’s myself, Chris).

Influences on Paul’s early development and education were the Bush Road playgroup at the Quakers Meeting house and a Toddler group at St Andrews Vicarage Leytonstone. I , on the other hand, attended Mrs. Milford’s Nursery at Warren Hall where my mother also worked along with the Emu puppet which made appearances when Mrs. Milford so desired. During holiday times we were both dragged along to the ‘Pram Club’ in Christ Church Hall and the outings to Colchester Zoo remain in our minds. 

Paul attended Wanstead Church School between 1972 and 1979 and was the last year 6 in the old building (by this I presume he means he was in the last year 6 taught in the old building and not that he was slow leaving in the afternoons). Our parents were very active in the life of the school, Initiating, directing and acting in many Old time Musicals to raise funds for the school, and for many years it was our father’s voice that could be heard booming out from a P.A. system on the day of the school fete. During this time Paul attended the 47th Epping Forest South cubs (Tuesday Pack) and during the summer holidays was a keen attendee (and in later years, helper) at the ‘Sunshine Corner Holiday Club’ at the United Reform Church. 

In 1976 our sister (Theresa) was born and Paul quickly trained her in the ancient art of tormenting the middle sibling. I gave up my room for my sister, bunk beds were bought and I promptly moved in with my brother (and in order to maximise my revenge, I stayed there for nearly 10 years)! From 1979 Paul attended secondary school out of the borough but remained a full time Wanstodian. On leaving School, Paul trained as a teacher at the University of London, Goldsmith College (1986 - 1990). Paul returned to Wanstead Church School for teaching practice in 1988. During this time Paul supplemented his meagre grant by continuing his weekend gardening round started during secondary school. He was also Leader 19th EFS Beavers until 1990. 

After graduating in 1990 Paul moved to Enfield in order to take up a teaching position (namely standing over the children and glaring). During his time as a teacher, Paul has taught throughout the junior age range. At present he is teaching Music and IT in several schools through out all the primary years as well as undertaking private tuition. 

When he was younger Paul had difficulty understanding how people got behind shop counters and also how did the actors get into televisions (this led to years of confusion and distress and between you and me, I don’t think he is any the wiser). Other things that caused him distress were a picture of Rupert the bear on his wall that he swears used to move. He also apparently had hysterics when a plastic spoon melted in hot water. Paul’s highly strung state can probably be explained by the fact that when he was young our Mother told him she was taking over his room in order to install a runner bean factory! (this project never came to fruition and he remained in his room)

 Paul’s interests include playing and composing music, Local history (hence this site), fire eating, high wire and escapology (sorry I’m confusing him with the Great Grandini).

Our Mother (a very wise woman, despite the runner bean episode) once said, during one of our more prolonged bouts of sibling rivalry, that in years to come we would become great friends and look back on our squabbles and laugh about them, and although we still pretend to hate each other, neither of us have the youthful energy for fighting and name calling and have settled instead for a begrudging acceptance of each other which (when no-one is looking) verges on genuine friendship.

Please help Paul in his quest to record for posterity, memories of Wanstead in times gone by. No matter how insignificant you may feel your contribution may be, every memory builds a picture.

Chris Dart (younger, more handsome and charming).