11:52am Saturday 8th December 2007
THE Penarth County School Old Girls' Association held their 80th Celebration Christmas luncheon in Stanwell School on Saturday. The following report on the organisation has been prepared by Margaret Davies, Vice President of the association...
THE Penarth County School Old Girls' Association was formed in 1927, following a suggestion by the Headmistress at that time, Miss Lloyd.
A small group of ex-pupils under the guidance of Miss Lloyd, arranged to meet three or four times a year.
This information has been given to our Secretary Chris, by the first Treasurer of our Association, who took up office in 1927.
Her name is Doreen Williams (nee Gibson) and she still lives in Penarth.
She is now 97 years old, with a remarkable memory, and she was present on Saturday, accompanied by her carer Ann.
Having spoken to her on the telephone, I can confirm that her voice is as clear as a bell and her memory of past events astounding.
A contemporary of Doreen's is our only Associate Member, Mrs Dorothy Lyons (nee Gray) who is also 97 years old.
Dorothy, or Dolly as she was affectionately known, first started working in the separate Boys' School.
From there she was earmarked by Miss Katherine Hughes, Headmistress at that time in the Girls' School, to assist her with miscellaneous duties.
Then in January 1939, she was appointed by Miss Hughes to teach Latin and also later Mythology, which she did until July 1974.
Dorothy still lives in Penarth and has attended most of our Functions. Until recently she could often be seen shopping in the town centre.
Is it the sea breezes of Penarth that keep them "young at heart"?
Many readers' may be surprised to learn that from such a small start, we now have a membership of 92 - and this is undoubtedly due to the dedication of our Secretary Chris Rumsam and also the Committee Members, who have devoted so much time contacting old aquaintances and school chums, also arranging the Social functions that we all enjoy.
The objective of the Association was to re-unite Old Girls' of the era 1897 to 1960, after which time the Girls'and the Boys' Schools merged.
The aim was to form a lasting bond of friendship among the members and I am sure you will all agree that this is what has happened.
It is a delight to keep in touch with old friends, some of whom have moved far away as you will see from the list below: Esme Barnett -Jersey Audrey Cumming (nee Blundell) - Dorset Olwen Hodgkins (nee Jones) - Oxford Gillian McKinnon (nee Garrett) - Llandysul New Member Pat Radbone (nee Foy) - Woking, Surrey New member Norma Thomas (nee Kneebone) - Henley-On-Thames We were very privileged to hold our 80th Celebration Christmas luncheon in Stanwell School this year and were naturally delighted that both Mr Parker (Headteacher) and Mrs Leslie Lee (Deputy Headteacher) joined us as our Guests on this auspicious occasion.
The current officers of the Association are: President - Muriel Davison Vice President - Margaret Davies Chairwoman - Muriel Wills Treasurer - Evelyn Williams Secretary - Chris Rumsam The officers are supported by a Committee of six members.
We all work well together and aim to make our meetings events to be remembered.
This report would not be complete without mentioning the fact that Miss Katherine Hughes was Headmistress from 1928 until 1960, respected by all in School and today admired for the way she diligently prepared her Girls' for life after School.
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.penarthtimes.co.uk