Tall tales from 1974

Carlinghow Primary School pupils with their corn dollies

Well it wasn’t exactly a beanstalk – it was a huge rubber plant which, at more than 10ft tall, towered over the pupils.

Headmaster Arnold Shackleton had acquired the plant from a friend, Mr R A Shackleton who used to be a lecturer in mining at Batley technical College.

When he moved to a bungalow in Castleford, the giant plant was too tall for the ceiling, so he tried to find it a good home.

Children at Mill Lane School gaze up at the giant rubber tree.

He initially contacted the council’ parks department, but when they were not interested, Mr Shackleton stepped in and offered to take it in at the school.

“We dont have any special time for watering the plant,” he said,

“The children just look after it and water it when needed.”

Pictured with the plant are Linda Duke, Janette Jackson, Sally Ann Moon and Shaun Blakeley.