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Guest Book Part 1a ~~ 2010

Please email your memories and news to me for inclusion in this Web-site.
Photos can be sent as Attachments.
My email address is cschumbley@waitrose.com

10a

Diana Hart (née Kimber) Thurs. 22 Jul 2010 RCHS 1952 - 1957

Have just found the web site and have spent a happy half hour reading the guest book - such good memories! Fun, laughter, seriousness and value placed on learning, also terrified of Miss Bubbers! Met her in the 70's - she was lost on her way to a meeting - saw me (although didn't know me) and called out "EERRMMM" (do you remember?) my reaction was to flatten myself against the wall! Habits die hard. I was in the choir because there was the need for somebody my height! - Do you remember singing when Lady Mountbatten visited the school - we were singing "seachange" missed the note and dried up - oh the shame! Miss Harris was superb - called us to order and we started again. All eyes were on Miss Bubbers and we were terrified of what she would say but to our amazement and relief she congratulated us on regaining our composure quickly and carrying on!
And the people I remember - Misses Stewart, Smith, Brown, Webb, Grainger, Tanner. Harris + dog, Parker, - Oh so many more - I can see them but can't put a name to them. Fellow pupils - Stephanie Bradshaw (we're still in touch) Valerie Lambert, Pamela Smith (Miffy) Veronica ? who was head girl and whom I have spotted in M&S Romford, Verity Bargate, etc. etc..
Do you remember me? Two sons, and five, soon to be six grandchildren, live in Harold Wood, Essex, retired from Social Services 2004 and actively enjoying retirement very much. Would welcome any contacts - dironhart@yahoo.co.uk

Heather Deamer (née Farmer) April 26th 2009 HPS 1965-1968

I was at Heath Park School from 1965 to 1968. My name was Heather Farmer (Now Deamer). I was in 3A - Teacher Miss Penwell. Then 4c with Mrs Reid (English teacher) and 5c also with Mrs Reid. I was in Larch House. I remember Mr Smailes, how could you forget? He used to teach shorthand and typing I think. Miss Samuel was really strict and everyone was terrified of her and her two little dogs). My friends at School were, Tina Baines (who I'm still in contact with), Gill Carpenter, Sandy Grover, Sue Dawson, Janet Hines, Christine Rogers any many more. Does anyone remember our crowd? Would be great to hear from anyone. Heather Deamer

My email address is: heather@lamangamail.com

Gloria McLaughlin (née Calland) March 4th 2010 RCHS 1951-55.

Having visited the site for the first time I thought I would like to catch up with a few old friends. People always used to tell me that schooldays are the best years of your life. Of course I didn't believe them, but how true it is.
I arrived at RCHS in 1951 after "emigrating"from the north of England. Miss Chappell was there for the first year then along came Miss Bubbers. For the first week all was very quiet but the second week she really let rip at us in the assembly hall. I was terrified of her after that.
I have fond memories of Miss Harris, Miss Stewart and Miss Honniger.
Unfortunately I was not able to go to the recent re-union but would love to hear from anyone who has a mind to. I can be contacted on geetee2000@tesco.net

Pam Thorn (née Pam Burr) Jan. 30th 2010 RCHS 1957-62.

My mother, Gladys Deering: RCHS 1916-1921

Have greatest respect for Miss Bubbers! I did not realise just how much she valued and encouraged 'her girls' - believing they could do anything - until some time after I left the school.
I have an amazing memory of meeting her on a train some years after leaving school, when I was, in fact, at Teacher Training college. It was 11.00am on an ordinary term-time day. I told her that I was studying again, and her immediate reaction was to look at her watch and then say: 'So why aren't you at college now!' I felt as if I was again 11 years old!
I have no contact with any former pupils other than Hilary Slaughter (1957 - 62). I was in Ross House.
Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me! pamandtrevorthorn@btinternet.co.uk

Helen Manwaring (née Helen Bonner) June 24th 2009 RCHS 1953-1958

I have recently gone onto the internet and found the site for my old school although I have no memories of ever hearing the name of Frances Bardsley.
I am ashamed to say that I can't remember what house I was in although I remember the house names. My first form mistress was Miss Breakspeare; my particular friends were Barbara Rowe, Carole Craske and Jane Drey.
I can remember Miss Jordan the games mistress who made us change into our P E clothes for games however cold it was, but wore her fur coat!
Who could ever forget Miss Bubbers!
I would love to hear from anyone who I was at school with. My email address is: hcmanwaring@btinternet.com

Ellie McLean for Sue Mead 26th May 2009 RCHS 1966 - 1970

My Mum, Sue McLean ( who would have been known then as Sue Mead) sadly passed away November 2007 aged 53. My Mum attended the school when it was known as Romford County High, from 1966-1970 and believe she went on to the sixth form until 1972! Not 100% sure how accurate my dates are! I would love anyone who knew her or had any memories (anything) of her to get in contact! ellie_j_1983@yahoo.co.uk

Linda Hardee 26th Feb. 2009 RCHS 1968 - 1973

I loved reading these comments by 'old girls' and thought I'd add my own memories - I also remember Miss Bubbers - how could anyone forget the billowing gown as she marched around the school or even over the games field as she often went to the back entrance of her home during lunch break or the 'Headmistress Lessons' we all awaited nervously as first formers - does anyone else out there remember having the length of your skirt measured whilst kneeling on our chairs - or having your fingernails examined to make sure they were the right length for 'young ladies' ? Another lasting memory is the annual planting of daffodil bulbs by every girl in the school and what a beautiful sight it made every Spring - not least of all was our amazing reunion arranged by the late Denise Chambers - it was one of the best days of my life seeing all my old school friends again and being totally amazed at how much they really hadn't changed. If there are any 'old girls' out there reading this now and remembering being pointed at with that red arrow while eating your dinner for some bad deed or having to eat your meal with books under your arms so that elbows were kept close to your body like that young lady I never quite managed to become - add your comments and memories or email me on linkhardee@yahoo.co.uk

Marina Horsup (now Duffell) 16th Feb. 2009 RCHS 1946/52

With my short-term memory failing daily, I can still remember my teachers at the RCHS - amongst others, my first year form mistress, Miss Mundy, Miss Kingzett, Miss Smith, Miss Dyson, Fräulein Hoeniger, Miss Parker, Miss Webb, Miss Pegram, Miss Brown, Miss Walters, Dr. Hall and of course our headmistress Miss Chappell.... Every detail is clear in my mind - Miss Harris enthusiastically playing us into assembly with "Country Gardens"; playing in goal for the First Eleven Hockey team; joint social activities with boys of the Royal Liberty; visiting 'celebs' - talks by Gerald Durrell, Ursula Bloom and the accompanist Gerald Moore, Ralph Holmes of the Royal Liberty gave us a violin recital whilst still in short trousers. He later became an accomplished violinist, but who sadly died at a young age.
Failing to go on to higher education, I started my working life in the City of London at the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank. I made up for this omission in late middle-age studying at Ruskin College, Oxford, and going on to take an Honours Degree at University College, Worcester.
I married twice and have twin daughters and a son and many grandchildren I now live on the outskirts of the city of Worcester, and would be very happy to hear from old friends.
My Email address is: bandm.severn133@tiscali.co.uk
Do you remember the school motto? GLADLY LERNE, GLADLY TECHE

My name is Susan Carol Leach (née Harbottle), 21st October 2008, attended HPGSS from 1958-1963.

Does any one remember Mr. Smailes? I certainly remember Miss. Samuel and her dachshunds. Any one who was a prefect would remember walking them!
In 1964 my family immigrated to Australia where I still reside. Does anyone remember me; it would be nice to know. I lived at Warrington Gardens, Hornchurch.
Regards, Sue Leach, email: nuitari2@tpg.com.au

Maureen Ford (née Jennings) 2nd May 2008 RCHS 1957 - 1962

Found this page by accident and it brought back many memories.
Attended Romford County High School from 1957 - 1962. Miss Bubbers was headmistress and what a wonderful, formidable lady she was! She taught us that the world was our oyster. She taught us to think.
I remember Miss Brown and Miss Pegram (two photographs on your website) and Miss Harris the music teacher who rode a bike with her dog in the basket.
I was there when Natalie Steward attended and won her Olympic swimming medal. I was in Stuart house and would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
My email address is maureenford@uwclub.net

Guest Book Part 1b ~~ 2006 - 2007

Pam Killoran (née Davey) 5th Nov. 2007

Hi, I found this wonderful site by chance, and after reading everyone's comments, thought I would add mine. I went to Heath Park in 1960 to about 1963, whilst living in the Cottage Homes in Hornchurch ( St Leonards). My sister Linda was also at the school. I don't have any special memories of the school except to say that I was terrified of Miss Samuel who was the Head back then. I don't think she thought much of us "cottage homers". I remember a girl called Marylin Mytton at school who I would love to hear from. Does anyone remember Miss Pamela Haggert( I think that was her name), who taught Science, but used to tell us wonderful stories when she should have been teaching, and as a result, I never did very well when it came to exams. Anyway! I left the Homes in 1963 and now live in Portsmouth with my husband. I have two wonderful daughters, one of whom is now a teacher herself.

Julie Walker (née Allbon) 28th March 2006

Hi to anyone who remembers me. Found this page by accident!
I went to FBS from 1977 - 1982 and I was completely pony mad.
I too remember Miss Townsend, also Mr Nutter the geography teacher, and Mrs Attewell, the French teacher.
I am now living in Spain and training horses. I have one daughter, 2 horses, 3 dogs, 4 cats, 1 cockatiel and a cockerel, (the dog ate the kamikaze chickens!).
Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
My email address is tchristielee@yahoo.co.uk

Jill Symons (1958-1965) 12th April 2006

Would love to hear from any old friends, especially if they are going to the centenary celebrations.
email: jill.keefe@tiscali.co.uk
I'm in touch with Pauline Campbell (now living in Spain) and Judi Sharpe ( now in Oz). There are a few more of us on friendsreunited!

Vera and Colleen Palmer - attended RCHS in the 30s - living in Leigh-on-sea. Contact via Jill Symons.

Hi I wonder if any of your 'old girls' would remember Kathleen Jefferiss who attended your school.(RCHS? - Editor) She was born in Oct 1920 so I think she must have been there from about 1932 to 1938. Kathleen was my mother, she died in 1956 when I was 8 Years old. She is buried in Upminster Cemetery. I would like to know more about her as my own memories are a little sketchy and her death was very traumatic for me as she died of cancer and was ill a long time. My father re-married, so unfortunately memories faded fast as I grew up. My father has now died so I would like to know more about her. She was in the WAAF during the war.
With grateful thanks
Tony McCusker, 8th May 2006

Jean Miles (nee Blackaby) Saturday, 3 Feb. 2007

I was at Romford High from 1941-47. I moved to Canada in 1958 and have lived here in Toronto ever since. I have 3 married children and 6 grandchildren some of which love tennis as I did. I would like to say hi to Sylvia Quick, Wendy Goodbody, Beryl Kern and Enid Maxwell. I have fond memories from my years at Romford.

School: RCHS & Years: 1941 - 47

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