Trish Brittain 1988 - 1999

Day1 was amazing. Even after many visits so pupils, staff and parents felt part of the school  before it opened, cloak areas were a scramble. Cloak areas led to much discussion - the bane of architects’ lives as for much of the day they are unused - but important if someone hangs their coat over your head. On one of the visits, while the school was still unfinished, I assured groups that there would be toilets and cubicles with doors, as we looked a a space with just pipes sticking out of the floor. With staff we had agreed procedures so there were no pileups at the two hall doors when coming into assembly. The pupils and staff were fantastic and as prepared as possible. We all wore our brand new sweatshirts and felt part of something very special- Radbrook Primary School.

Miss Joann Brunsdon (now Donnelly 1989- 2022)

After giving it some thought, I decided to apply for a teaching job at the new school. I was interviewed in the summer of 1988. I was going to be on holiday when the interviews were taking place so it was agreed I would be interviewed before I went away.

The interview took place on a warm summer’s day at Walker House. I remember I wore a black skirt and jacket from C&A - and I got the job!

Working at Radbrook, in those early days, was incredibly special. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to become part of the fabric of a new school and its community.
The lead up to the school opening was both exciting and nerve wracking - getting to know colleagues, attending meetings, discovering new equipment, choosing books and, of course, meeting the children and their parents.

I remember my first class like it was yesterday and can still name many of the children, almost 40 years on, who were in it. They were some of the best days of my teaching career. On occasions, I still hear about the children I taught then…their families and their achievements …perhaps by chatting to ex-colleagues, parents or from the children themselves. Of course, they’re in their forties and have families of their own now!

Now retired from teaching, I’ll always have fond memories of those early Radbrook days… the talented children, incredible staff, supportive parents, fun times and, of course, hard work. There was a fantastic community spirit - we laughed together and, on occasions, shared tears. Years later, I chose it as my own children’s school… Radbrook - a very special school - at the heart of our community.
 

Gill Wilding (1988- 2021)

On RPS 10th Birthday Jan 1999 those still in post received a celebratory badge. 

I started working at Radbrook in 1988, helping Trish Brittain (Headteacher) and Anne Breach (Secretary) to set up the school. 

My post was head cleaner, working with Joan Blake and Des Croft, we were a fantastic team.  I have fond memories of our wine and cheese parties and horse racing nights organised by the PTA to raise funds for the school. 

Claire Overton (Pupil 1989)

I was in the first reception class when Radbrook school opened. Our teacher was Miss Onions and it was so exciting being at a brand new school. There was an enormous sense of community, it was a small, friendly school. Some of my favourite memories  include assemblies and singing- we made up a ‘New School’ song that we used to all sing in the hall, I can still remember the words!

Mrs Breech was the receptionist and if you were the lucky one to be chosen, you got to go and deliver your class’ red tin-with the days register and dinner money in, to the office, she was always so lovely.

Mrs Wilding was the school care taker, she was always helping out around the school, so kind and friendly, she knew all the children. Mrs Knight was a wonderful TA that used to help out in our class. Mrs Brittain was the head teacher and she used to visit all the class rooms in a morning. Back then it was all open plan. The music room & library were along the corridor.

Other lovely teachers were Mrs Harrison, Mr Keeling, Mrs Hartley, Mr Sweetman, Miss Farr, Miss Brunson (who became Mrs Donnelly!), Mrs Bebb, Miss Morris. My mum also worked at the school as the school nurse for a while.   

At break time someone would be picked to get the bell, and then come and ring it at the top of the stairs to get everyone to line up & come back in to  school. 

The discos with Mr Booles (one of the parents) as a DJ, were legendary. As were the school plays, I remember Bumblesnouts being a particular favourite. Class performances each year about the Egyptians and Henry the VIII. I remember PE lessons in the hall, dragging out all the mats and being really exciting when we got to use the wooden frames that were attached to the wall. Playing rounders on the field, and  learning netball. We had a whole school photo taken, that used to be up on display in the school entrance. 

I loved my time at Radbrook and hope my girls have the same happy memories when they leave. 2 of my best friends today, are 2 of my Radbrook reception class mates, and Radbrook will always hold a special place in my heart.   

Jamie Bunting (pupil 1989)

1996. The year when Radbrook opened up a sandwich bar.

Jamie Bunting (pupil 1989)

26th June 1998. Launching Heartstart.  We went to the shire hall, this venture appeared on BBC1 on a programme called 999. Headteacher at this time, Mr Gareth Hughes.

Sam Pugh (pupil 1989)

I remember the school grounds being marshy with lots of frogs around.

Katie Beale (pupil 1989)

Hannah and I both went to Radbrook and Mum was on the PTA for the school so i presume helped with events etc. Mum was poorly for 4 years with a cancerous brain tumor, when she passed away in 1998, i had just started Priory and Hannah was still at Radbrook. Mum's wishes for her funeral were family flowers only and for other people to make money donations. We raised a few hundred pound, and it was mum's wishes for this to be donated to Radbrook School.
With this money, Hannah and I came into the school and with Mrs Britain and Mrs Potts, we picked musical instruments to buy with the money donations. I believe some of these are still in the school today.  After the instruments arrived, the Shropshire Star came and took our picture with the instruments and put a piece in the paper about it. Radbrook was always a very special school for us all.