- Contributed by听
- CissieRidings
- People in story:听
- Cissie Ridings
- Location of story:听
- Astley Sanatorium Nr. Leigh, Lancashire
- Article ID:听
- A2480447
- Contributed on:听
- 31 March 2004
This is sent on behalf of Cissie Ridings, in whose presence and with whose consent, this was typed and submitted.
MY INTERVIEW FOR TRAINING AS A FEVER NURSE
The sanatorium was surrounded by a high brick wall. There was no access except by high heavy iron gates at the front entrance and high solid wood gates at rear. At the front entrance it was not possible to see beyond a few yards, as huge dense rhododendron bushes obscured the view. The fact that only the rooftops of the building could be seen, added to its mystery.
As I approached the sanatorium I could see the high wall. I rang the bell and, on showing matrons letter, was given directions to what was referred to as the old house, where Matron鈥檚 office was situated. This was the location of matron鈥檚 office. I passed the home of the Medical Officer of Health and the view I saw made me gasp, rolling lawns, a lake, and on the other side of the lake a beautiful Elizabethan house.
As I entered the house my general impression was of high ceilings, dark polished wood and such quietness. There was little time to panic as I was soon ushered into matron鈥檚 office. The office was pleasant with large French window one could see the lawn and the lake. The figure behind the desk was quite a shock she looked so stern and masculine. She wore a severe tailored navy serge dress with a tiny lace collar, this was the only softly feminine thing about her. Over her head she wore a huge organza square. I was filled with awe and more nervous than ever.
I was informed that I would receive a letter during the following week. My recollection of the interview left me with a deflated feeling that my interview had not been successful, and matron鈥檚 attitude gave nothing away. On the way home the relief was so great I felt so elated
and was experiencing a feeling of having escaped from somewhere. At that time I honestly did not think I could ever go back there, but nothing seems quite so bad after a while. Little did I know then that one day in place of awe and fear, I would find sufficient courage to oppose her on two occasions. A letter arrived and I had been accepted.
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