Knitted suits and Jesus sandals

By Sheila Braidwood

Sheila Braidwood at Portslade Secondary Modern School

Photo from WRVS Archive

Sheila Braidwood in the last year of primary school, St. Peter's, Portslade

Photo from WRVS Archive

Sheila Braidwood at Christmas

Photo from WRVS Archive

I can remember going to senior school and thinking, god this place is big.  It was just one building - A block - Portslade Girls School.  I did like school.  I even liked Miss Hawkings.

Sandals and scooters

She taught science and biology.  She was a big lady - used to wear knitted suits and Jesus sandals and rode a scooter.  Her voice just told you everything - we wouldn't take the mickey out of her.  She remembers me because I used to take care of the guinea pigs and rabbits.

When you got to 13/14 you are allowed to wear stockings.  I remember the parquet floors - you could slide across them in leather soles.  I went up with lots of the primary children to Portslade.