Ely High School 1905-1972
Departures of StaffEHS Magazine July 1949
Last Summer it was with great regret that we parted with Miss Pater who had served the School for so many years as Head of the Preparatory Department. We miss too the younger children who are no longer with us, now that the Preparatory Department has been closed. Mrs. Chamier, Miss Crane, Miss Ripley and Miss Stanway have taken posts elsewhere. Miss Hulton left to be married. They all have our good wishes for the future.
Miss Tilly also said a temporary goodbye in the summer as she is spending the year in Italy, engaged upon research work. We are glad to hear she is having a happy, busy year and look forward to her return in September. During her absence Miss Defew has been Acting Headmistress.
EHS Magazine June 1954
Among them we must especially mention Mrs Waller, Miss Baines and Miss Richards who had given us several years of generous service.
EHS Magazine July 1956
Among the Staff who are leaving us this year, all of whom have our very best wishes, personal mention must be made of Miss Balmforth, who came to us in 1947, to teach Scripture. Our debt to her for her excellent teaching and her self-less devotion during these last nine years can hardly be over-estimated. We shall miss her greatly.
DG DEFEW.Sometimes we lose dear friends just because they have to go and live elsewhere. It is for this reason that Miss Balmforth is to leave us when Canon Balmforth goes to Exeter at the end of the summer. It will be a great wrench to part with Miss Balmforth after her years of unfailing and devoted service. All the girls who have studied Religious Knowledge under her tutelage have been immeasurably enriched, for they have learned from a gifted teacher and what is more, from one who practises all that she teaches. Those especially who have taken the subject at Advanced Level have had cause for great thankfulness. We wish Miss Balmforth all happiness and success in the future.
BERTHA TILLY
EHS Magazine May 1961 - Valete
Though with us only a very short time Miss Rose will be remembered by those whom she taught for her quiet, gentle interest and help in their Craft Work.
Miss Huddlestone, who taught Mathematics and Science, endeared herself to us all by her unfailing kindness and quiet good humour.
To Miss Cork we owe gratitude for her keen work to improve our standard of Physical Education, especially in Athletics, and to stimulate our interest in Sport. Many of us will remember her very capably organised Sports Days, with our enthusiastic efforts to break records ; and our exciting expeditions to see International Matches at Wembley and Wimbledon.
Mrs. Salkeld-Green, who came to us at the same time, with her quick and lively wit, aided and eased our way along the paths of Latin Grammar; and in general stimulated our intellectual interests.
Miss Johnson, who was with us rather longer than any of these, won our warm gratitude and affection, for her help in the homemaking occupations of Cookery and Needlework. Thanks to her we can approach these domestic tasks with confidence and enjoyment. We thank her also for her warm personal interest in our work and welfare.
Mrs. Staniforth. The news that Mrs. Staniforth was leaving came to all of us with a great shock. We realised how very much more convenient for her a post in Cambridge would be and knew that, had she continued living in Ely, she would certainly not have left us; but it seemed impossible to imagine the school without her. It was a wrench for her as well as for us to make a separation after twenty-one years, during which she had served the School with such devotion. This showed both in her teaching, giving confidence and maintaining the interest of her pupils in History, and in her unfailing interest in their futures. It is difficult to find words to express our appreciation of this long service.
To all these, Miss Rose, Miss Huddlestone, Miss Cork, Mrs. Salkeld-Green, Miss Johnson, and especially Mrs. Staniforth we say "Thank you," and our best wishes go with them for the future.
DG DEFEW
EHS Magazine May 1962 VALETE
In April, 1961, Miss Penny emigrated to Nigeria to teach in a State Grammar School. We shall always remember her for her thorough knowledge of science and also her patience, well-tried on many occasions.
We were also sorry to lose Mrs. Williams who taught that controversial subject—B.K. Mrs. Williams, a brilliant conversationalist, presented her subject in a new light to her pupils who were made to think and discuss as well as learn.
Unfortunately Mrs. Mumby left us, with her wealth of knowledge of historical remains, as did Mademoiselle Vaillant, who returned to her native France.
EHS Magazine May 1963 - Valete
Last year we were very sad to lose Miss Brook, who has taken up the post of Senior English Mistress at Woking Girls' High School. Apart from her very great ability to make even English Grammar interesting, (no mean feat this), Miss Brook will be remembered for her producing of both School and Staff plays. Each one seemed even better than the last, and all had great success. Miss Brook was also notable for her clothes (envied by all), and her suntans which caused chagrin in the hearts of all red and peeling pupils.
At Christmas Mrs. Moore left us and migrated with her husband to Exeter, thus depriving us of her great ability for teaching that controversial subject, History. She always managed to inject great life into her lessons, even the most scientifically-minded could not fail to be interested in history that became so personalised when taught by her. Her knowledge of current events was amazing, gained we suspect from the eternal copy of The Times she carried around with her.
This Easter Mrs. Laidlaw also left, but before doing so was tracked down (by the relentless interviewer who, for a brief space of time, haunted the Staff). She was educated in Edinburgh, where she went to University. She spent a year teaching in the East of France at Auxerre. Mrs. Laidlaw lists as her hobbies sewing and music, classical aad jazz in the traditional (not trad, we hasten to add) style. Her favourite colour is green, and we suspect that being a Scot, she rather cares for the tartan.
Miss Talbot, who taught French and also Latin to the junior forms, left to get married, and Mrs. Delaney, who had taught Domestic Science, left to take up a post at the Cambridge Central School.
EHS Magazine, May 1964 - VALETE
Miss Bunn. After graduating from Queen Mary College, University of London, Miss Bunn came to Ely when the new School buildings were opened. In addition to her excellent teaching of English, Miss Bunn was also very concerned with the development of individual characters and personalities. In this connection, she directed her enthusiasm in many fields. Many will remember the expeditions to the Lake District, the Pennines and Snowdonia, which were organised in company with Miss Stanyer. She introduced the School to brass rubbings, which led to two outings to King's Lynn, and an exhibition of the finished rubbings.
During her sixth and final year, Miss Bunn took over the Library for the School; she also assisted Mrs. Hawes in the production of "The Merchant of Venice".
Miss Bunn's teaching was original and inspiring—all who were taught by her will remember her flair for anecdotes. She is now teaching at the Notre Dame Convent High School at Worth in Sussex. We must all thank her for her various contributions to the life of the School, and wish her every success in her new post.
Mrs. Howell-Jones. Mrs. Howell-Jones left Ely at Whitsun, 1963. She enjoyed her stay in the Fens, and, living in Cambridge, spent much of her time learning about people there, as she was especially interested in people of different denominations. Mrs. Howell-Jones was a native of Wales, and, as those who were taught by her know, was proud of this fact. She said she would be very glad to go back to her home country, and is now living in Llandudno. We will remember the quiet side of Mrs. Howell-Jones' character, and the tolerance she showed for different opinions.
Miss Morrell. Evidence of Miss Morrell's enthusiasm for games may still be seen in the improvement in Hockey, especially in the Junior School and the School Hockey Teams. She showed keen interest too in Athletics, and we are very proud of our past achievements against other schools, which were the result of her attentive coaching. Her personal interest in all the girls was shown in that she was always willing to drive home (in her famous little sports car) a girl who was without immediate transport after a sports meeting.
Miss Morrell's personality also shone through during her teaching of Mathematics, which is often a dreaded subject, but enjoyed with Miss Morrell as teacher. Indeed her trademark (the M.G. Sports) is sorely missed by all, and we feel that the Alexandrian schoolgirls have gained a person we wish was still present in our School.
Miss Bramley. Miss Bramley left us last summer, after being at the School for three years. During this time, Miss Bramley lived in a caravan near King's Lynn, and her journey to School entailed a six mile cycle ride, a train journey, and a mile walk in Ely. However, towards the end of her stay she acquired a moped on which she came to School but her journey still seems quite an achievement.
Though very quiet, her classes soon found that she had many stories to tell, particularly of her travels, which included Iceland and Russia. Miss Bramley is now teaching in a convent school at Whitby, Yorkshire. We thank her for her teaching, and wish her every happiness in her new post.
Mrs. Bowden. Mrs. Bowden was a person we were all very sorry to lose at the end of the Christmas Term. I am sure we miss her games and gym lessons and her helpful advice. We understand that at the moment she is in hospital and we should like to send our best wishes for a speedy recovery, so that she can enjoy her retirement and do all those things she told us she wanted to do, when the time came.
Mrs. Ellis. Last summer we regretfully said "Goodbye" to Mrs. Ellis. Her lessons were always interesting and she seemed to have unfailing patience and understanding. All the school must wish her success in her new appointment as Deputy Headmistress at a secondary modern school near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Mademoiselle Martin. Mademoiselle Martin, our French assistant for 1962-63, has now returned to Paris to a teaching post in a mixed school, where she finds the boys with beards rather frightening ! Her lively sense of humour and gay laughter guided us very happily through our French oral lessons. We wish her every happiness on her marriage on March 21st, 1964.
EHS magazine 1965-66 STAFF: VALETE
It was with deep regret that we had to say goodbye to Miss Reynolds who left us in July to get married, and to take up a new life in India. As an Old Girl of the school she was liked and respected by both school and staff for her devotion. She willingly sacrificed her time to organise extra catering for school functions and her originality and ingenuity were always much appreciated. Her knowledge and experience of amateur dramatics were invaluable and always forthcoming during rehearsals for school plays. The high standard of the set and costumes were a sure reflection of her energy and ability. The school has benefited in many respects from Miss Reynolds' teaching and guidance; there is no doubt that her departure has caused a great loss.
TRAVELLERS' TALES. Another Passage to India!
MARY BYFIELD (née Reynolds).We took off from London Airport on a cool summer morning in August, the temperature being about 65° F; in a very short time we were over the English Channel and able to see both the coast-lines of England and France at the same time. Before long we were fastening our seat belts and landing at Rome - the temperature was 80° F; it seemed very hot but this was just an introduction to progressively higher temperatures as we travelled towards Calcutta.
Our next stop was Beirut; we touched down at dusk and while the plane was being refuelled we were able to watch the sunset over the sea. During the night we made two more stops at Teheran and Karachi and looking down over Arabia we could see small white square buildings, standing in clusters in the desert. At first light we were flying over Northern India, but too high to be able to distinguish any particular landmarks. Finally we made our approach and landing at Calcutta at 7.15am. Although we arrived during the monsoon season it was fine and sunny - the temperature being 94° F.
Most of the buildings surrounding the Airport were painted cream and it was not until we were out of the Airport, that we were able to see the typical Indian scene. Small houses made of plaited bamboo were scattered between more modern brick-built buildings. Cows and goats wander freely in the streets and driving a car needs a lot of concentration. At all times of the day and night the streets seem to be full of people and many hundreds actually sleep on the pavements in Calcutta.
We live about 11 miles from Calcutta in a first floor bungalow; a word of explanation if this seems strange - bungalow is the equivalent of a vernacular word meaning "Residences built in the European style". It is situated in a large garden in which grow bananas, mangoes and litchees as well as some of the usual flowers and vegetables that we know in England. Grey squirrels play on the lawn and from time to time two monkeys come to the garden and sit in one of the highest trees.
As the weather is hot for most of the year, we have servants to do most of the work. Three malies (gardeners) look after the garden and in the house we have a jamadar (sweeper) and Cook/Bearer, who does most of the cooking and all the housework not carried out by thesweeper. Twice a week the Dhobi or Laundryman comes for the washing, which is generally done at the side of a stream or pond and is ironed with an old-fashioned flat iron. Such things as washing machines and spin dryers are virtually unobtainable, but of course the refrigerator really comes into its own here.
There are very few shops as we know them at home, most of the shopping being done at the Market. This is a large covered area in the centre of Calcutta. At the front are all kinds of small shops including drapers, shoe shops, jewellers, stationers and leathergoods. An interesting feature of these shops is that all those dealing in the same thing are grouped together; there are rows of shoe shops and drapers so that if one does not have what you want you don't have to go far to find it. Towards the back of the Market are the grocery shops which sell almost everything and if they have not got a particular item in stock, they send a coolie to buy it from the nearest shop. Behind all these shops are the large meat, fish, egg, vegetable and fruit markets. These areas are more like the markets in England with individual stalls.
The biggest social season of the year is the "cold weather" from about November to March. Temperatures are in the lower 80's during the day and about 50 at night. There is no rain of course and it's just as one would like to think an English summer should be. This is the time for all sorts of parties and the Clubs all have their functions in the open air. Christmas is celebrated in the most un-Christmaslike weather, the afternoon generally being spent out of doors. Of course, since the water temperature is as low as 72° F, swimming is out of the question - it's far too cold!
We have not yet seen the seasons round, there is the hot weather and the monsoon still to come; swimming and sun-bathing have now become part of our normal daily life and we are at the moment looking forward, with some trepidation, to the monsoon - rain from mid-June to October.
Miss Baines taught English in the school for two years, until July, 1965. During this time she inspired her classes with her own enthusiasm for her subject. She took an active part in form dramatic productions in the school and helped to organise the drama competition which proved a great success. Another interest from which the school benefited was the Debating Society. It was with regret that we said goodbye to Miss Baines, and we all wish her good luck in her new position.
Miss Bridge left us in the summer after teaching here as Head of the Art Department for eight years; she now holds the same position at Honor Oak School. Miss Bridge not only raised the standard of art in the school, she also devoted much of her time to painting scenery for the Annual School Play, and to rearing her beloved cacti! We all greatly appreciated her never-failing help and encouragement, and the pleasing examination results bear witness to the interest she showed in each one of us. In losing Miss Bridge, we have lost not only a teacher, but also a friend.
Mrs Moseley, who assisted in the teaching of English in school, left at Christmas. We offer our good wishes to herself and her son, born on February 20th.
Mrs Bedford assisted Miss Reynolds in the Domestic Science Department before leaving at Christmas to prepare to settle into her new home. We should like to thank her for her contribution to school life.
Miss Stanyer is on a year's exchange teaching in Australia. Our good wishes have gone with her, and we hope that she will contribute an account of her experiences to next year's magazine.
EHS Magazine, 1967
Three members of staff left the School in July:
Miss Cook taught Mathematics here for four years - her lively enthusiasm for the subject not only promoted keen interest but also good results. She is now Mrs Knight as her marriage took place in August; she and her husband are living in Maidenhead.
Miss Dewar spent seven years in the School and it is owing to her efforts that Music is now such an important aspect of the School's life. There are now two orchestras, and the choir flourished under her guidance. Miss Dewar was well known also outside the school: among other activities she was conductor of the Ely Evening Institute Choir.
Mrs Wells taught Classics for two years and left the school to move to Southampton with her husband who is a University lecturer. She has a teaching post in Southampton.
The following staff left at Christmas:
Miss Langton. It is hard to estimate Miss Langton's contribution to the School in the seven years and a term that she was here. Both the staff and girls appreciated her friendliness and good organisation in particular of the educational cruises. We feel that her new school has gained an outstanding personality and we were very sorry when she left.
Mrs Lewin left after her year's exchange here to return to Australia at Christmas. The School benefited from her varied experience and appreciated her good sense of humour. Perhaps she will visit us again one day - we would be very pleased to see her.
Mrs Marshall left the School when her husband took up a new post in High Wycombe. Both the French department and the Folk Dancing Club, which she started, have lost a vivacious member of staff.
EHS Magazine, 1967-68
There have been many chanqes on the staff during the last year with several people leaving at the end of the Summer Term.
Mrs Hawes, who had been in the school first as a pupil and head girl [editor: Vivian Convine] and later on the English staff, finally as head of department, left in May. Her baby Marc Graham, was born in August.
Miss Greatorex, who had been head of the Games department, left in July and her marriage took place in Ausust. Her name is now Mrs Cope.
Miss Taylor who was head of the Biology department, left after six years in the school and was also married in August; she is now Mrs Stott.
Mrs H McKay, who taught Biology and Chemistry for two years, left to accompany her husband to Edinburgh and is now teaching there a Technical College.
Miss Brinkworth who came in September 1961 into the History department has a post as head of department at the Girls' High School, Lewes.
Mr Gordon taught Classics here for a year but is now teaching full-time at the Cambridge Technical College.
Mrs M McKay who came temporarily to teach French is still living in Cambridge.
Miss Hatley who was married in August is now Mrs. Barrett; she is head of the games department.
EHS Magazine, 1968-69
In July 1968 there were few staff changes but we were very sorry to say goodbye to the following:
Mrs Barrett who had been head of the Games department accompanied her husband to Oxford where they both have posts at Westminster College;
Mrs Salkeld-Green had returned to school for two years to teach Classics;
and Mrs Worthington who taught Science and Mathematics left to have a baby.
Mlle Froissart had been here as the French Assistante for a year.
Mrs Neill taught Biology during the Autumn term.
Mrs Scarisbrick was in school for the Summer term to help with all aspects of Games.
At Christmas we were sorry to lose Mrs Delahunty, an extremely efficient secretary.
EHS Magazine, 1969-70
At the end of the Summer Term 1969 a number of staff left whom we were very sorry to have to say goodbye to:
Miss Bensly in charge of Religious Education in the School who had done a great deal in connection with Junior Assembly and Shelter money-raising efforts gave up teaching to become warden of a hostel in London.
Mrs O'Connor also changed Ely for London where she is now teaching English in a boys' school in Hackney.
Mrs Garnett, Head of the Art Department, is still in Cambridge but has been spending time on her own work.
Mrs Schwartz was with us for a year teaching Mathematics.
The French assistante Mlle Barathieu also spent a year here.
Mrs Kellett left at Christmas as she and her husband were moving to the North of England.
We were very sorry also to lose Mrs Legge, the part-time secretary.
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