Great Schooldays!!

A Memory of Hawarden.

I was born in 1943 in Mancot and lived in Shotton. After the eleven plus I arrived at Hawarden Grammar school. The first two years were easy enough but in Form3, I noticed all the boys studied Science and all the girls had to take Arts subjects. No. not for me! I wanted to study science as I imagined my future career in Medicine. I gathered six similar like-minded girls, and we insisted on studying Science!!
Eventually by Easter 1955 we were granted permission. It was a bit daunting as we had missed the Spring Term of our new topics but we were determined to catch up!
My first Chemistry class was with Ma Lumb - what a fascinating character! She told us we'd missed inorganic chemistry last term. but we had to jump in on organic chemistry. I loved it!! Made perfect sense! I forever enjoyed my Chemistry lessons
But Physics next, I could not understand Uncle Sam's voice and struggled because of that. Biology by Mr Clarke? was also a favourite, thoroughly enjoyed.
On the playing field it was Miss Jones that urged us on in the hockey and tennis and also in the wonderful indoor gym that we were privileged to have.
My first experience of the stage was in the chorus of the Operetta " The Bartered Bride" by Smetana. Mr Parry the music teacher had the guts to stage this. I absolutely loved it!!
Then there was the play " The Importance of being Earnest ". George Bernard Shaw! Enjoyed it so much!!
"O" levels were ok, but A levels results a bit disappointing for me, However, off I went to Cardiff University of Wales, to study Biochemistry - the Chemistry won out in the end!!
I would love to catch-up with old friends especially Mary Jones of Sandycroft farm and Esme Jarvis of Sychdyn.
My name is Beverley nee Roberts from Shotton/Connah's Quay