Memories from Shoreditch College Charles E. Woodin (Shoreditch College, 1955-57) recalls the Barnes rail crash of 1955 in which 13 people were killed, including some Brunel students. “In December 1955, I was one of a group of Shoreditch students returning by train from a night out in London.
Maria Grey memorabilia These uniform items have been kindly donated by Pamela Ellis (née Tilney), who graduated from Maria Grey in 1954. Upon leaving, Pam moved into infant teaching in Plymouth, then went to Zambia as a lecturer with the London Missionary Society (now the Council for World Mission). She returned to the UK after eight years and continued primary teaching. Now retired, Pam lives in Devon and is a Reader in the Anglican Church.
Approaching Barnes Station, our carriage shook – all was noise and confusion as the carriage rose in the air and the lights went out. Suddenly, the overturned carriages burst into flame and we all jumped out as best we could. One of our students was seen pulling open doors to make sure everyone was out, while another, one of our rugby players with his leg already in plaster, managed to heave himself through one of the open doors, his hands and arms burned. We were able to retrieve our belongings from the station some days later. It was a sad sight to see so many personal items all laid out, with some Shoreditch College scarves amongst them. Eventually we walked back to College, arriving at 3am to the relief of Matron who had stayed up all night counting us in and welcoming us with tea. I cannot recall the names of those who perished from the College that night – I remember that they were in the main older students with families back in Mauritius. What a privilege life is - I hope that we have lived up to it so far.”
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Reunions Maria Grey College Reunion – Alumni 1959-1962 Margaret Coleman is planning a 50th anniversary reunion. For more details, email davidcolem@aol.com quoting Maria Grey in the subject line. Maria Grey College Reunion – Alumni 1966-1969 Ann March (née Preece) is organising an event in early summer. Contact her at anne.march@btinternet.com for more information. Borough Road, West London Institute and Brunel Alumni Sports Dinner Alistair Newman (History and PE, 1980) has organised an Alumni Sports Dinner at Brunel University, on Saturday 3 October 2009 at 7pm. Guests of honour will include John Hunter and Kevin Bowring. For further details, please contact Alistair at alistairnewman@tiscali.co.uk or on +44 (0)7989317025.