Madelaine Wilson (nee Ainsworth) 2006


My education started at Victoria Infants School, then on to Oxford Street Juniors where we were taught in the last year by the redoubtable Miss Watson, whose sole purpose in life was to ensure that we passed the scholarship exam. I left Oxford Street having been presented with The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English', for four years of perfect attendance, - still well used, and still atreasured reminder of the school.

Mine were war-time years at BGGS, which meant restrictions of all kinds. Cookery lessons with Miss Dutton were uninspiring to say the least- mothers were reluctant to part with rationed ingredients and the returned 'goodies' were usuallydeclared uneatable. The excitement of our one school geography trip, by train to Coniston, was somewhat dampened by the fact that it rained all day. But I remember with affection and gratitude my grammar school years which were happy and instilled in me standards and a sense of values to start me off in life.

My entry into the world of work was a little unusual. Towards the end of term, year 5, we were told there was a vacancy in the Borough Treasurer's Department at the Town Hall, and anyone interested should let Miss Ford know. Having no desire whatsoever to leave home, I, along with others, put my name forward&waited. In due time, I received a message to say I had been selected. 

There had been no contact with the office & no interview. Later I learned that my exercise books, one English &one Maths had been sent to the based on those. The last week of term, I left school on Tuesday & started work on Wednesday morning, with the promise that I would have a one week holiday, sometime later on. I still wait for that week! 

The following 22 years were spent dealing with ledgers, accounts & cash in various sections of the Department. I left the Town Hall after our son was born & since then I have been a home-maker and for 10 years cared for my parents as well as my family.

My involvement with the Old Girls started in 1968 and I acted as treasurer until we disbanded in 1979 when schools became comprehensive. In 1982 a group of about 20 friends gathered for an informal evening re-union. This became an annual event and members grew to 50-60 girls. I took on the arrangements in 1993.

We meet in April each year at the Lisdoonie Hotel for a meal -with conversation - usually a gathering of about 100.

Since the Old Girls were invited to join the Old Barrovians I have become a Life Member and enjoy the lunches, the Annual Dinner, the Dance and the fellowship of these gatherings. 

I have endeavoured to promote membership amongst the Old Girls & will continue my efforts. It has been pleasing to see increasing numbers of ladies at the functions and our thanks go to the Old Boys for the welcome we have received. 

I think I can truly claim to be a Barrovian: my great grandfather came to Barrow-in-Furness in the 1840's, my grandfather was a member of the Town Council when the Town Hall was built - his name is on the commemorative plaque in the entrance hall, and my maternal grandfather was a member of the Borough Police Force. 

Apart from holidays, I have never left the town so that accounts for the Barrovian part. The OLD crept up on me uninvited.

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The schools Association Presidents Looking for old classmates? Alumni - former pupils and staff of note Old Barrovian Outward Bound - the old school song All change! 4th Nov. (London) 18th Nov. (Barrow) Come along to meet old friends and make some new ones BEM for Dennis Old Boy Joe makes the news! Come and join us Pictures News of former pupils and staff Boys' School Heads Girls' School Heads Signs of the times Old Boy honoured by the King Paul Rigg Old Boy to take on Benidorm 10k