class notes
Where are you now?
The Brighton Effect | July 2009
24
We are always delighted to receive your news and updates for possible inclusion in the class notes section. We will include all the appropriate entries we have space for but reserve the right to review and edit the information you submit. The news featured here was gathered over the past few months and was accurate at the time we received it. We know this one of the most popular parts of the magazine so see if you recognise anyone from your time here.
1950s Sears Anne Certificate in Education (Infant) 1957 After about thirty years in infant teaching, I trained to teach dyslexic students and obtained the RSA Diploma for Teachers of Special Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia. I then joined my husband at the Medway Dyslexia Centre, Rochester. In due time we became involved in specialist teacher training, in addition to teaching pupils of all ages and conducting assessments. Jean Higgins Higgins Jean Certificate in Education (Junior) 1959 I have been living in Canada since 1964. I graduated from Ottawa University with a degree in English Literature and as a specialist in special education. I am married with two daughters and three grandchildren. I have been operating my own business for the past 12 years and founded a private elementary school in 1966 for children 4–14. I love to hear from college friends. Spear Evelyn Certificate in Education 1959 I have spent my working career teaching in the primary sector, both in the UK and abroad. I am married with three children and five grandchildren. I have lived in the West Country for the last 30 years.
1960s Boyes Cluzyna Certificate in Education 1965 After teaching for two years in the UK, I emigrated to Canada. I taught at a variety of age levels, including a multigraded country school experience. The latter years of my career were spent as a teaching principal (headmistress), which was wonderful! After an early retirement, I entered the artisan world as a jewellery maker and later as a photographer. I would love to hear from any of the people I trained with all those years ago!
Ron Sewell
Beck Ian Graphic Design 1968 I have worked as an illustrator, mainly of books for children. I now write fiction for a variety of ages. Clubb David Civil Engineering BSc 1968 I have had a fulfilling career largely in maritime engineering including 10 years overseas in Libya and Malta, nine years as a consultant and six years with a multilateral aid organisation. I have worked for the last 20 years as a port engineer for Portsmouth Commercial Port. Having retired from the port, I have set up an independent consultancy for the last 18 months. I have been married for 39 years and have one daughter. Cowdrey Roger Teaching 1968 I taught for five years then worked for IBM for 20 years. After this, I ran a business support agency for seven years and then went into international consultancy in Bugaria, Turkey, Macedonia, Lebanon and Romania. I spend the majority of the year outside of the UK.
Fitzjohn Susan Certificate in Education (Primary) 1966 I initially taught in Hove, before moving to Sandwell and teaching in Dudley. I later moved and taught in a junior school in Essex. Eventually I moved back to Worcestershire where I enjoyed primary headship in two schools for twenty years. I retired from full-time employment in August 2007 but have continued to enjoy working with church schools as a diocesan consultant and SIAS Inspector.
Gardner Elaine Teaching Certificate (Secondary) 1968 I taught mathematics at Hundred of Hoo School for 34 years as it went from secondary modern to comprehensive upper school to comprehensive 11–18. I was a pastoral head of year for 13 years and exams officer. I retired at 55 then went to teach at Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School (grammar) for five more years. I am now retired and am very involved with local history activities in Rochester.
McEwan Chris Art and Design BA(Hons) 1966 I received an MA at the Royal College of Art after graduating from Brighton. I have worked as a freelance illustrator ever since, including illustration for animation, advertising, packaging, editorial and children’s books in the UK, Europe and the USA. I was a part-time lecturer in illustration and design at University of Brighton for 17 years, then at Northbrook and currently at Kingston University.
Mounter Joanne Certificate in Education 1969 I have taught in London and Worthing. I have two daughters and a son and two small grandsons. I am doing both supply teaching in Lincolnshire and private tuition in maths. I am enjoying the balance of part-time work and pursuing interests, in particular, researching my family history.
Sewell Ron Applied Physics 1966 As a result of my studies at what was then Brighton College of Technology, I went on to spend 10 years learning more about gas physics with several companies. After that, using the knowledge gained, I was able to start a company designing and manufacturing advanced accessories for high tech welding applications.
Say Susan Primary Education 1969 I taught in England before moving to South Africa in 1975. I taught at a private convent school there before opening a school of my own. In 1987, we moved to the USA. We have lived in North Carolina, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Georgia and I have followed various paths – becoming a realtor at one point, teaching and then following my passion in gardening to get certification as a master gardener. I now work as a docent at an arboretum and botanical garden.