Sarah Bedford (nee Frewin)

Dear All,
 
I've just gone on to the WGGS site and realise I can send memories of school to countless other former pupils.
Funnily enough I too remember the architecture lessons with Miss Tennett and being terrified of saying anything in case it was not acceptable. Miss Sweeney and Mrs Brown were my History teachers and inspired me to pursue an interest in American history- which meant I ended up teaching it as well as  other periods of History and diverse subjects as Head of Sixth Form in a comprehensive on the West Cumbrian coast for 38 years. Oh, the excitement of the epidiascope in lessons!
I was a hockey goalie and represented house (Nichol), school and county thanks to Miss Spencer and others with their twice weekly training. I played rounders in the summer and can still smell cut grass and Benskins Brewery on sunny days, listening to a little transistor radio which would have landed me in great trouble had it been spotted.
I still have some photos, including a big full school photo taken in 1967 (I think). Miss Tennett would not take part in that, I believe.
I used to love the Carol Services, although I was never able to sing well. And the Te Deum in the church on Founders Days. I can still see those panama hats which were then replaced by boaters with the school colours- smart!
Anybody remember teachers making us kneel to measure the skirt lengths in case we were wearing minis?
I see Ladies Close is in need of renovation. I can remember skipping out of lessons after O Levels (1966) and being caught in town by a lurking teacher and then being punished by having to clear out some old cupboards in Ladies Close- it was so old even then. I annoyed my fellow criminals by going off on holiday without completing my punishment. Anybody out there who went down to Devon on a so called walking holiday? We experienced YHAs, barns and fall outs among friends.
On a serious note I remember the nerves that I felt before every test and exam- twice a year. What pressure! And the real exams in the main hall- utterly terrifying. Similarly, having to read as a prefect in assemblies with the Head glaring at you (well she glared at me anyway).
I once saw her smile- when I made an utter fool of myself in the Talent Contest when I strummed a guitar (unable to play it) and try to sing a Beatles number.
I had to go into her study with team lists and my knees always knocked with fear.
WGGS gave me a lifetime's opportunity and a university place at Lancaster. I still keep in touch with Moira (Forbes) and maybe this will be read by others who will think -oh yes I remember Sarah Frewin.
 
Regards to all those friends and acquaintances
 
Sarah Bedford (nee Frewin) 1961-1968 

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