Courtesy of Florence Robinson - 1950 to '53 ( married name - Stopps )

I am an old “Tech Girl” from 1950-1953 in the Commercial Department. I am surprised that there are so few of the old girls listed or any photos of that time. Sadly, I do not have any photos of my time there but can still remember some of the names of the other pupils in my years.

For the two and a half years I attended the WTI there were 42 girls and one boy in each year. I lived at Wooburn Moor and Loudwater before emigrating to Australia, briefly returning to live at Flackwell Heath from 1976-78 and then again returned to Morphett Vale, in South Australia. During this time my eldest son Andrew attended John Hampden School. I have a large extended family in Bucks. This site is of particular interest to me as some of my hobbies are studying local history and genealogy.

Some names of form mates that come mind are :- Cecile Wooster, Margaret Henry, Pat Maynard (we all came from the small Wooburn Church of England School). I also remember Sheila Penn and her cousin William Penn (the only boy in our class) who travelled together by train from Piddington.

A couple of the Teaching Staff at that time were, Mr Stoodley, Mrs. Stoodley (Headmistress was Nora Nunn? same name as an author)

I recall that for the first year the girls in the class learned sewing in another building further up Easton Street. We used to go to the Rye for Gym and to the playing fields at the top of Marlow Hill for Hockey lessons. In the winter we had gym in the hall. I also remember that in the 3rd year each student was required to read a lesson from the Bible at morning assembly – which was terrifying for shy people like myself.

When we first started the school we were asked to choose either French or German as a language. As it was not long after the end of WWII many of our parents objected to us learning German, so as everyone wanted to learn French, the decision was taken to divide the class down the middle, and one side were instructed to learn French, and the other side German. Needless to say, those of us learning German did not dare tell our parents! Many of us students could never understand why sometimes students learning German were required to sing a German song at assembly. I remember that our German teacher was a small, lovely, patient lady – name lost in time!

I also remember that Rita Barlow stayed only for the first year, and that two of her siblings also attended WTI. I believe that Cecile’s two sisters also attended WTI.

If there are any "Old Girls", or "Old Boys" for that matter, that still remember me and would like to make contact with me, please let the Administrator know and a message will be sent to me.