WE GO back 23 years to 1986 for the first of another double Days of the Old School Yard. The myth that boys aren t keen on cooking was finally exploded. And teachers like Joyce Lewis were right at the forefront of the kitchen revolution. Joyce, who retire

WE GO back 23 years to 1986 for the first of another double Days of the Old School Yard.

The myth that boys aren't keen on cooking was finally exploded. And teachers like Joyce Lewis were right at the forefront of the kitchen revolution.

Joyce, who retired from Forest Gate Community School that year taught home economics to boys as well as girls. And the reason for the lads' enthusiasm for cooking? They are very fond of looking after their stomachs!" she said.

In fact, one lad joined the Westminster college of Catering that summer. Joyce, then 59, head of upper school began her career in 1951 as a PE teacher at Harold School, Upton Park.

She taught at Lister School, and Burke School, both in Plaistow.

She was secretary of the netball section of Newham Sports Association from 1961 to 1984, and has coached athletics, swimming and sailing.

She was treasurer of Newham branch of the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers.

Our second picture take us back to April 1989, when young badgers from the St John Ambulance Brigade took to the woods to hunt for a treasure trove of chocolate eggs.

The youngsters from Newham, Tower Hamlets and Redbridge went searching in part of Hainault Forest.

Safeway's, of High Street North, East Ham, provided enough eggs to ensure no one went hungry.

Assistant Manager Paul Baxter is pictured handing some eggs to the youngsters before they were hidden.

The Brigade started the Badgers in 1987 for youngsters aged six to ten.