From 2006 to 2010, I was a councillor for Lee Green ward in the London Borough of Lewisham. During that time, I blogged regularly and in 2009 I won the Tim Garden Award for the Best Blog by a Liberal Democrat Holding Public Office. My blog posts from my term of office are archived here in case they prove of use to former constituents, or to those who share my annoyance with faulty street furniture
As you might be aware from his recent letters in The Mercury and the News Shopper, local resident Paul Taylor is collecting memories of the two St. Winifred’s Schools in Lee Green. All Paul’s brothers and sisters went to St. Winifred’s, his youngest sister has been school secretary there for more than 20 years, and his late mother played the piano at the school for ballet classes.
Paul’s keen to hear from any ‘old girls’ or ‘old boys’ who have memories, stories or photos of their time at St. Winifred’s that they’d like to share – anything that would capture a moment or a memory. Both schools are included – infants and juniors (the school split in 1969 when Effingham Road became the infants and the new school on Newstead Road became the Juniors – just as it is today).
Paul’s about halfway through his project – it’s not an official history, just a collection of what you have to offer. How it will turn out depends very much on what Paul receives from local people, so I promised him I’d mention his project here and in E-Focus.
You can email memories to Paul’s colleague Terry at terencegibbs {at} onetel(.)com or send them via post to Paul at: Paul Taylor, Flat 2, Syon Lodge, 132 Burnt Ash Hill, Lee, SE2 OHY.
This sounds like a really interesting project, so if you can help Paul out, please do!
I attended both the infant and junior schools many many years ago and have many memories of my time there. I especially remember the ballet teacher, Mrs Loftin, and my last teacher, Mrs Scanlin. (The names may be incorrectly spelt.) St Winifred’s has remained a lasting influence on my life and I hope one day to revisit the school. Ironically, I will shortly be moving from Detroit, Michigan, to Effingham, SC. I know I have a few photos of the years I spent at the school. Most are of the annual performances. In particular I know I have a photo of one of the teachers dressed in school uniform and performing, I think, the irish jig. Unfortunately, these are currently in storage until I relocate in December. Good luck with your project.