Name

Role(s) - photo

Report

1930-40s

Miss Vera M Hinchy (MA, Dip ED)

Headmistress

handed-over to 'The Beaus' in about '49.

Retired to run a bookshop at Blandford Forum in the '50s - Michael Pierce

Mr A M Hinchy

Taught boys (Preparatory School)

Sergeant Bannard

He joined the staff in about 1937 to teach boys cricket and boxing. - Michael Pierce

J Y Scott (NFF)

M S Bevington (CSMMG)

Gymnastics

1950s

Mr Paul B R Beauvoisin

Headmaster '52, "OEW", '59, '61

see 'anecdotes'

I was terrified of Mr. Beau and kept out of his way as much as possible.  I think this had to do with his seeing my reaction to his entering our class one afternoon with a slow worm in his hand which he then put down the back of my summer dress!  The use of the cane or slipper for any boys who crossed the line of right and wrong didn't help my fears of him either.  Girls did get their knuckles or hands wrapped with a ruler which was very painful. - Judy Doree ('54-'61)

Mrs Beauvoisin

'52, '59, '61

Mrs. Beau always seemed very fair and a good teacher - no fears with her. - Judy Doree ('54-'61)

Patricia R Brown

'52

lived in Old Church Lane, left in '52 for Aylward Junior School, Pangbourne Drive.  Died in late '90s. - Angela Payling

Peggy Dunn

Dance teacher

- Gillian McMullen

Miss Featherstonehall

was very, very scary.  My only memory of her was that she did not let anyone leave the room during class so there were accidents especially from young boys.  I don't think she was there for many years thankfully - Judy Doree

Mrs Margaret, 'Madge', Irving

'52, '59, '61

Mrs. Irving used to get me to "carry" any hairs she found on her clothing to the bin.  She loved history and used to give us tidbits of information not found in the history books to make the subject come alive. e.g. Queen Elizabeth 1st black teeth from eating too many sweets. - Judy Doree

Scottish dancing lessons from Mrs Irving (which have come in useful now I live in Scotland). - Jill Davis

I was at St. Brendan's School in the 1950s, and I have wonderful memories of Mrs. (Margaret) Irving, my Scottish 3rd form teacher.  She would read out loud to us from 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'.  She taught us Scottish Country Dancing and Highland Dancing, which we loved.  She was kind and fair and very precise.  I used to go to her house for maths tutoring on Saturdays. - Gillian McMullen

Mrs 'Mac'

Nursery '52, '59, '61

Mrs. Mac was my first teacher - she always seemed very nice and a good introduction to the school. - Judy Doree

Miss/Mrs Andrews

- Chris Thrift

Mrs G Kendall (MRA, MBAT)

Dancing '52

- Susan Johns

Mrs Gertrude Doctor née Walton

 Piano '52

lived in Elm Park Road, made wonderful fudge with condensed milk. - Susan Johns

Mrs. Doctor was the music teacher who made the best fudge.
She lived at 19 Elm Park and kindly gave me the recipe - it never tasted as good as when she made it.  She was the first person I knew who died.  I remember being part of the school contingent to attend her funeral at St Johns Church in Stanmore.  I gave up learning the piano - no one seemed to have as much patience as she had.  She started a group called the "growlers" for those who couldn't sing in tune.  She was very good and we quickly progressed from this group into the choir and even to singing solos. - Judy Doree

Monica x

French "OEW"

1960s

Mrs Kendrick

… I think she taught form 2. - Lesley de Meza

Mrs Nicholls

… the kindest lady that I can recall … had very neat white hair. - Lesley de Meza

I remember Mrs Nicholls very fondly in fact she was probably my favourite. - Judy Doree