Memories from the 1980s

We were delighted to hear from former staff member, Janet Harvey, who regales her memories of Prior’s Field in the 1980s.

I came to Prior's Field for my interview in October 1987, in the aftermath of the Great Storm. It was a weird experience. The place was windswept and desolate, all the girls having been sent home and only Headmistress, Mrs McCallum, there to welcome me.

I was shown into the Oak Hall where a fire was blazing and the interview was conducted sitting in comfy armchairs, in a relaxed atmosphere.

I was offered the post of teacher of French, gradually taking on Spanish as the Head of Languages, John Reed, approached retirement. I was more than happy to get stuck into the Spanish, but very sorry to lose John who was a highly talented Cambridge graduate and very kind indeed.

My other linguist colleagues were Béatrice Rapine and Nicolette Gunn who became firm friends.

When John Reed retired, Mrs McCallum asked me to take over as Head of Modern Languages. I hesitated as I lived 25 miles away, had a young child and was not sure I would be able to give 100% commitment. How could I refuse when she said "Janet, 50% from you would be like 100% from anyone else."

More than ably supported by three stalwarts – Nicky Gunn, Jenny Carter and Marilla Ferguson, we took two homestay trips to Saumur in the Loire Valley. Staff were lodged with Madame Héreau, who was a stickler for correct French grammar and kept us on our toes. She leant us bikes which we took to of an evening, to visit the girls in their rural host families.

I stayed another eight years and then moved to Churcher's College, near home in Petersfield where I stayed for ten years. We returned to our beloved Derbyshire and I took up a role as a guide at Chatsworth House where, pre-Covid, I took many tours in Spanish, French and English. Apart from PF it is my best job.

Janet Harvey, Former Staff