Development News
Memories of Atholl Crescent
Before her death, at the age of 97, Rosamund Berry
(nee Gregory) shared her memories of her time as a
student at Atholl Crescent in the 1930s.
M
y room was a cubicle in the attic which was equipped
with a wash basin, slop pail and of course only cold
water - it was the 1930s! After a short while, I was one
of the lucky ones to be moved to the new hostel, Lorne House,
in Drumsheugh Gardens where we were allowed baths more
than once a week.
Laundry was our main subject for the first two terms and we also
went to Moray House for Method of Teaching and Psychology – very
cold walks down the Royal Mile with no anoraks or warm boots in
those days!
The highlight of our Plain Class Cookery lessons was inviting Miss
Wingfield, the Principal, for lunch. Miss Wingfield was not a distant
figure as one may expect. She made a point of getting to know the
teachers in training and even attended our annual hostel dance where
it was customary to introduce our partners to her.
As well as intensive work during the week we had much enjoyment
on Saturdays at the sports field at Corstorphine, playing lacrosse or
hockey in the winter and tennis or cricket in the summer – we once
invited the men from the Veterinary College to play cricket and they
gallantly played left handed!
After eight terms we had earned the Teachers Diploma 1. However,
to complete the three year training and thus receive a better salary, I
undertook one term of High Class Cookery where we spent four hours
preparing our test dinners.
Our three years at College was a time of hard work, when only the
best would do, giving us a pattern for life, lifelong friendships and other
varied interests. ❒
We’d love to hear your memories of your time at QMU,
whether it was the days of Atholl Crescent like Rosamund,
or more recent memories of life at Corstorphine or maybe
even Musselburgh. Contact the QMU alumni team at
E: [email protected]
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QMYOU / Development News
Lacrosse team 1933-34