Former student visits New College Telford
Categories: Press Releases
Beryl Haggett (Underwood), who studied in Wellington in 1941 has made a return visit to the college in Spring 2012. Beryl said: “Visiting New College Telford has brought the memories flooding back. I joined what was then the Wellington Girls High School in 1941 as an evacuee. I took the School Certificate and then in the sixth form I studied Art, Architecture, History and English. I went on to London Goldsmiths’ College, University of London – every Wednesday we used to visit the Royal Academy.”
“I very much enjoyed my time at the school – I was sports mad, I loved the tennis, hockey, gym and I’ve got such clear memories of the tennis courts and matches against other teams - including Shrewsbury and Newport High Schools. I remember the library was wonderful too.”
"There were four Houses named after the hills that surround Wellington - Clee, Haughmond, Stretton and Wrekin - I was House Captain of Haughmond. The first Headteacher we had was very authoritarian, then we had a new Headteacher who was the opposite – he let everyone choose what they did for 3 weeks – at the end of that time everyone was in their lessons voluntarily!”
“I have since gone on to teach Maths and English in a wide range of schools. I was chair of Oxfordshire Dyslexia Association for 10 years during which time we hosted Susan Hampshire at the Premier of the film ‘Topsy’ with the funding going to the Dyslexia Association. I still teach Maths part-time at Radley College in Oxfordshire.”
“I am so impressed that this distinguished building is still here at New College Telford. When so many great buildings have been destroyed it is a real pleasure to see such an architectural gem.”
“I was so pleased to be taken round such a thriving educational establishment. You must all feel very proud to be vital contributors to its success. You are giving to all who attend New College Telford the chance of a lifetime. I am quite sure that, when the present students look back as I have, they will be able to say ‘What an opportunity… I made full use of my time there’.”