LUNCHTIME

The boarding pupils were fed in the houses when the bell rang they went to the relevant house and were fed in the main area. The normal two course main meal and dessert would be served and a drink of water provided. Meals were prepared in the house kitchen.

Lunch time was quite a problem for day pupils. We were all picked up by Ulsterbus double decker buses and driven the short distance to Rostulla Special School who were ably equipped with catering facilities. Many times there were en route competitions to see who could collect most tickets! Both the VH and Deaf pupils were bussed and fed here at separate times.

Thankfully eventually the Grindle Memorial Hall was built and this housed the catering for ourselves. The VH and Deaf were kept separate at dinner time.

(above) Colour photograph 12th April 2003.
Shows the entrance to the Grindle Memorial Hall.
The name of the building has been removed from the side of the door.

The new catering facility also brought about big differences in serving. Where in Rostulla we had been individually served meals here we were more independent. Each table was set for 8 people the pupils at each end were senior and designated "Servers". The food was delivered to the tables in containers and it was up to the servers to dish it out. This was handy as it opened the wayfor choice in that those at the table could choose which component parts of the meal they wanted. Also it opened the door for "seconds".

Dessert was served in a similar manner and a jug of water was available at each table. Again there was two sittings with the VH pupils taking the first sitting followed by the pupils from the Deaf Department. Staff were also able to use the facility although I must admit few seemed to. The proceedings were overseen by the catering staff and a couple of Assistant Teachers.

At all times the food was quite good for School Dinners. It is worth pointing out that by and large the standards improved when the Grindle Hall facility opened.