Firm FriendshipsOn 25th September 1949, I was amongst the first intake into the newly- established Bretton Hall Training College. I was looking forward eagerly to seeing the Hall and meeting my fellow students and the staff.

My journey by bus from Sheffield has always remained in my memory. I became aware of the contrast between some of the mining areas and the grandeur of the Bretton estate with its imposing buildings – not least the Camellia house.

This feeling of awe was quickly dispelled by the warmth of Mr. Friend’s greeting, and he was to prove a friend indeed to all the students, who were equally welcoming. This mixed group reflected the immediate post-war intake, in that some of the students were ex-servicemen.I was committed to attend the college for only one year because of my qualifications from the Sheffield College of Art, but others, in some cases straight from school, were enrolled in two-year courses, irrespective of whether they were studying Art, Music or Drama.

Miss Robertson, senior tutor, was to prove a particular friend, not least in encouraging my interest at that time in sculpture, and I was fortunate to spend additional time at the local art college.The year passed all too quickly, but firm friendships were formed, some of which persist to this day.A notable event was our production of Hansel and Gretel, for which we made all the puppets.My experiences at Bretton Hall were to prove invaluable in my subsequent teaching career and in encouraging a broad interest in all aspects of art.