THE obituary of Mrs Alice Hebden reminded me of an incident regarding this innovative lady.
The girls of Standard Three, St Stephen's, Astley, 1941 had been told to bring material to make aprons but Barbara, her daughter, brought an old coat.
Mrs Hebden said the aprons were a waste of material -- rationed then -- and Barbara was to make a pinafore dress from the coat.
The teacher's face was a picture of astonishment (that ugly word 'gobsmacked' was unknown then), but along with some tut tuts, she cut out, and Barbara made a superb pinafore dress so successfully that other girls made them and the teacher admitted what a good idea it was.
Barbara was my friend throughout school and beyond.
We had our first adult dance together in Burton's canteen and our first unchaperoned holiday together. Our paths parted when I moved to Tyldesley and Barbara had a steady boyfriend. The class of 1941 ("Astley and Her Neighbours", John and Sylvia Tonge) are all having a big "0" birthday this year and Barbara's was in March but I can't remember the exact date. Can you wish her "happy birthday" from me?
Mrs Jean Hall (nee Coulton)
North Hykeham
Lincoln
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