Jennifer Crookes (now Webster)
Hello all,
I am the "Jennifer? Crookes?" that Margaret Dickson mentions in her recent letter (see Letter From Margaret Schofield). However, that is not me in the photo of Miss White’s class. Although I was born and christened in Totley (at All Saints in June 1948) my family moved away soon after and it was ten years before we returned.
I joined Totley County for only my last two terms of primary school years so I was only ever in Mr. Robert’s class. My younger sister however began her school life there in the reception class with the teacher Mrs. White. My elder brother spent his primary school years at the Totley All Saints school and he,in fact, went with Peter Schofield to King Edward VII school.
As she said, Margaret went to the Girl’s Grammar School with her friend Ginny and I remember both of them from the bus and from the Methodist Youth Club. I went to High Storrs Girls Grammar School and John Schofield went to High Storrs Boys Grammar School. I also went to the Methodist Sunday School and church where Margaret’s Dad was Superintendent. Eventually, I became a Sunday School teacher until I went to college to train as a Primary School teacher.
I have read that you have received information from Clive and Susan Bellamy. My family lived next door to the Bellamy’s when we returned to Totley and Clive and I are still in contact via email.
I enclose a photo from a very old family album of a street party for the children of Aldam Road to celebrate the end of World War II. There are only three children whose names I know. My brother, John Crookes (first child on the left) age six. Next to him is our uncle Peter Reeves. The girl at the front is a Windle (either Eileen or Pat, but I think Eileen).
My grandparents lived on the odd numbered side of Aldam Road and my family lived next door to the Windle family on the even numbered side of the street. I am not sure of the date of them moving there. I only know that their former house and all their belongings were destroyed in the Sheffield Blitz. They were fortunately safe in their Anderson Shelter. They all had to move in with my Grandad’s brother. Again, not sure of addresses and no one to ask now.
I really enjoy reading everything that you all have written on the site and it brings back many memories. So a big Thank You. My sister and her family plus me and mine now live in Lancaster. Unfortunately my elder brother has died. He and his family lived in Lancaster for many years but some of them are now back in Sheffield.
Best wishes to Totley,
Jennifer Webster (née Crookes)
June 2019