Rosemary Dalton (1960-67)
​
Swimming Pool Fund: The school was new (opened in 1957) and the Grammar School had a swimming pool. We learnt that we could also have a swimming pool and that we must begin fundraising. The whole school was involved, even the prefects who stood on the stage in morning assembly.
It took us only a few years to raise the money and then swimming became compulsory and not everyone liked it as the water was so cold. Our Gym mistress was formidable and as we left the swimming class we were checked that we had replaced our uniform, difficult over cold, damp bodies, and our purse belts.
​
​
Dido and Aeneas: Henry Purcell was an English composer and we became aware that one of his operas would be our school production in March 1966 (left). Although at 15 we were nervously approaching GCEs, we volunteered to be Assistant Stage Managers, especially if we also lacked confidence in performance skills. Volunteering at the Girls’ High School was a somewhat essential part of the curriculum!
For many weeks two hours after school was spent preparing for the show. Miss Flatman, head of Latin (and ogre status among students), had a leading role of sorceress and Anna Bernardin was chosen to sing Dido (front centre of photo).
It was a successful performance and I was pleased to see Anna years later in a D’Oyley Carte production as a complete opera singer.
​
Further facts on Dido and Aeneas from the School Magazine 1965-66: The School Choir performed, together with members of the CRGS and friends. The opera was accompanied by a String Quartet from the Royal Academy of Music and Miss B Taylor (music mistress) on the piano. The producer was George Young, the conductor Miss Wiltshire (music) and the choreographer was Miss Donaldson (PE). The costumes were designed by Susan James and Christine Niblett, cut out by Mrs Pipe (PE) and made by Jane Beeby and Brenda Hadley with other girls from the school. The sets were designed by Maria Mewett and Linda Barker, helped by the Art Department including Susan Hamblion and Tessa Woolnough. Lighting was done by Wendy Davis, Rosemary Scott and others and make-up by Caroline Edwards, Patricia Humm, Frances Powell, Susan Mitchell with others helping. Further help was given by Mrs Brown (Art, Miss Nicholls (French), Mrs Archibald (English) and Miss Pannell (French).
​