MRS MOUNTFORD

Mrs Mountford (why, after so many years, does it still feel somehow wrong to call a teacher by their first name?) was my form tutor in my 4th and 5th years at Tideway - Forms 4RM and 5RM. Our form room was the needlework room right at the top of B Block. Mrs M was a fantastic form tutor, always there to help and always willing to go that extra mile for her class. I don't know how she did it, but she obtained permission from Mr Rothwell for her class to remain indoors during break and lunchtimes. While all the rest were out in the cold and rain, we were all cosy and warm inside. All she asked of us was that we behaved, and I think we all did! I'm sure that she was aware of the card school that went on at lunchtimes (plenty of pins ready for betting in that room!) but never complained! RIP Ruth Mountford, we won't forget you.

Lovely to read your memories and comments Marion. What a lovely teacher Mrs Mountford was. I think her success lay in the fact that she truly loved her students and her craft. The perfect combination. Kids can sense a genuine teacher a mile off. She certainly showed some patience with me when I tried to make a coat for "O" level needlework. I gave up the subject in frustration, well before she ever gave up on me! Frightening that we've reached almost the same age that Ruth was, she looked so young then!

I am sorry to hear this news I too have fond memories of Mrs Mountford although I didn't continue with needlework at O level. We found a half finished blouse in my mum and dads loft a few years ago, I fear I was a disappointment on the sewing front. Interested to see Miss Butler [Butlin - Ed] on the photo I saw her a few years after we left school in Brighton has anyone seen her recently?

Hi Jan. In answer to your question, I taught at Tideway for a few years and Sue Butlin was still there and married by then. I think she retired a couple of years after I left in the early 90's. I went to Duncan Sandford's retirement about 5 years ago, she came to that. Gill Cummings was also there. Despite having both hips replaced due to arthritis, Gill was still going to the Gym, walking the downs and looked fantastic. In fact these Tideway stalwarts just don't seem to change! As soon as I can find them, I have a couple of photos from our school reunion back in 1996 which I'll post on here. Do you think we should have another one when we're 60 or is that just too much?!

I have such fond memories of Mrs M (no, I can't use her 1st name either!). She was a brilliant teacher and exceptional person, who treated us as intelligent people who could make our own decisions. She passed on to me the lifelong skill of dressmaking, and much more besides.

I am so glad that I was able to visit Ruth shortly before she died. Her laugh was exactly the same and despite quite a bit of memory loss she could name Tideway students and reminisce about the old days. I loved her as a teacher and a friend and I never lost contact with her despite the fact I moved to Canada 36 years ago. She taught me to love sewing, taught me how to be the best teacher I could be, and instilled a love of theatre and life. I hold her in my memory as a role model for how I want to live my life and the kind of teacher I aspire to be. Thank you for posting these lovely photos of her laughing and looking so care free.