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My recollections date from September 1938 when I was privileged to enter the pristine School building as a member of the first form.
We had a very pleasant first year and were looking forward to being second year pupils with a new intake below us. However, World War II began on September 3rd 1939. Parents of my year were advised that because the building of air raid shelters in the grounds would take some time, our year’s return would be delayed by a month. Our year was considered the best group to miss some schooling as we had already received a grounding in the school system and unlike the older girls were not about to embark on an examination syllabus. Form 2 pupils were encouraged to stay in the country — away from the likely action. My friend Margaret Lloyd and I stayed in Brailsford with my aunt and uncle on their farm for four weeks.
Air Raid Warning Drill — When the school bell rang continuously we had to stop any activity immediately and make our way in orderly fashion by prescribed route to an air raid shelter and must not delay to pick up personal items, apart from our gas mask. The member of staff whose lesson had been interrupted allowed us to sing. I remember being in Miss Thompson’s Geography class when the ominous bell sounded. The geography room had French windows which provided access to the shelters without using corridors. Miss Thompson was so scared — she told the girls to let her out first and to follow when all the doors and windows were closed. Of course we obeyed. When we arrived in the shelter Miss T was already there, quaking. She asked us to keep quiet and not to sing so that she could hear whether there were enemy planes about and whether any bombs were dropped. The most embarrassing aspect of the near silence was when a pupil used the elsan in front of all her form mates.
I give full marks to the staff of Homelands School for the education I received in the period 1938-45. Miss Welbank left Homelands when I did so I did not experience Dorothea Susannah Gilbert — a one day wonder. I attended reunions when Miss Helmore was Head.
I made some good friends at Homelands and have kept in touch with eight of them. The Reunions have been good and I look forward to attending more.

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