As pupils across the UK prepare to return to the classroom after the summer holidays, residents at Copperfield Court Care Home in Broadstairs have been reflecting on their own school days, from wartime experiences to strict uniforms and lifelong lessons.
Freda Gedge (92) grew up moving between villages, which meant attending several different schools. She enjoyed sports such as netball and rounders, but it was domestic science, also known as home economics, that captured her heart. Freda said,
‘I took my own apron to lessons and loved it so much that I went straight into domestic service after leaving school. For six years I worked as a live-in cleaner and polisher in a family home, before leaving work to raise a family of my own.
‘My advice to school children today would be to respect the rules and authority, because they’re important.’
Fellow resident Iris Loxley (88) described herself as a creative child who loved music and the arts. Her favourite teacher, Ms Sellwood, inspired her love of history by bringing the subject to life.
Iris’s uniform included a ginger-coloured tunic with a sash and beret, with skirts checked for modesty. Iris said, ‘I remember having to kneel on the ground so that the principal could make sure the length of your skirt was correct.’
Iris continued, ‘My time at school inspired my career. During infant school, a Luftwaffe bomb was dropped on our playground, and I was very fortunate to have survived. After seeing how frail people really are, I wanted to do all I could to help, and I went on to have a successful career in the NHS for over 20 years.’
‘My advice to the younger generations today would be to learn as much as you possibly can.’
Another resident, 82-year-old Bridget O’Conor, reminisced about starting her education in Belfast where she was born. Bridget said,
‘I went to a strict Catholic convent school where the nuns were very disciplined, but I soon went on to enjoy a mixed secondary school which was much more modern.
‘I enjoyed school a lot and made some good friends who I’m still in touch with today. Our uniform was a red and grey coloured skirt with a beret and a striped tie, though in P.E we had red rompers which we had to embroider our names onto ourselves.
‘My advice to school kids today would be to make the most of it. I took the skills I learnt in typing, passed my Pitman’s test and secured a role in the NHS as a secretary. From there, I progressed to become a matron in hospital nursing.’
Eve Balcombe, the General Manager at Copperfield Court, added, ‘It’s inspiring to hear our residents share such vivid memories of their school days. From wartime resilience to finding their passions, their stories carry timeless messages for today’s generation as they head back to school.”
You can find out more about Copperfield Court’s ‘Back to School’ memories campaign at the home’s weekly Tea on Tuesday event, every Tuesday from 10:30. Taking place in the home on Northwood Road Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 2NH, all are welcome to join the residents and staff for homemade cakes and refreshments.
For more information, call 01843 423 207, email [email protected] or visit Copperfield Court’s website.
