1946 Changed schools at 6 and met milk warmed by a stove. Tried to drink the horrible stuff but was slow. Got hit around the head for needing a second straw, paper one which flattened easily. Disliked stews and mince, being invited into the kitchen to see the 'lovely meat' before it was cooked didn't help.
1951 Changed schools again at 11, dinners 10d a day. I avoided the milk place until a new friend promised me a (synthetic) cream iced bun if I went with her. What?? I discovered a tuck shop with various high calorie delights and stacks of milk crates in a corner available to those who wanted a bottle, or two. Or not.
1958 College, paid for meals, enjoyed most, especially pork pie with salad which included cold baked beans. On our uniform list was cloth napkin and ring, we kept them in special pigeon holes but no one actually used them.
1960 I began teaching, enjoyed a well cooked school meal each day, as did my Camberwell pupils. Fish, chips and peas on a Friday.
1964 moved to Birmingham, well cooked meals each day, children very keen to have seconds when available.
1980 Big comprehensive very proud of a new cafeteria system with 'choice' for pupils. . I spoke (gently) to an overweight little girl who had on her tray double chips and two doughnuts. She explained that her class was last in that day so there was, at that stage no 'choice'.
Progress??