Exercise book returned to ex-pupil after 49 years

A 49-year-old exercise book discovered in a drawer of a Cornish school has been returned to a former student.

History teacher Alex Morgan found the book when he was tidying a classroom at Humphry Davy School in Penzance during half-term.

The front cover said the book had belonged to Sean Morris in 1975, and after the school shared photos of it on social media, the ex-pupil was found.

He was invited back to his former school where he was reunited with the book.

Deputy head teacher Kirstie Oliver said: "We were all completely blown away by this book that had been hiding in the bottom of a drawer and hadn't been found in 49 years."

The book, labelled Roman Studies, was filled with neat handwriting and detailed sketches of an amphitheatre, Roman bathing systems and cities.

"I could tell this wasn't just any exercise book," Mr Morgan said. "It was filled with such dedication and detail that I felt it deserved to be returned."

When presented with the book, Mr Morris said he had "absolutely no recollection" of ever having drawn the illustrations.

"I recognise the handwriting but I kind of wish I could still draw like that," he said.

Staff said the story of Mr Morris' exercise book had touched not only him and them, but also current and past students.

"It's like a glimpse into the past," said one student. "It reminds us that our time here matters and that maybe one day, someone will find our things and remember us too."

When asked what he would now do with the book, Mr Morris said: "I was thinking of putting it in a drawer somewhere!"

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