Great site Tom and lovely reading all the updates from ex Ditch students. As for me I was a 75yr Bradley boy and thoroughly enjoyed our recent 40yr reunion in Lichfield. I taught for 37yrs mainly in Hertfordshire and did a spell overseas in St Helena. Now enjoying retirement as ‘the local handyman’. Wonderful memories and formed life long friendships.
Danny 1972-75

71 – 75 Spent at Shoreditch College of Ed.
Local student – lived at Englefield Green.

Spent three very happy years here from 69 to 72. Great memories!

Thank you! I was fortunate enough to be at Runnymede in 89 (Bradley) and 91-93 (Bradley then President) even though an Uxbridge engineer. MANY happy memories and happy to hear from people. Best, Harold

I started as a raw recruit in Sep 72 (75yr) finally leaving in 76 with 4 years of very happy memories. Having been to two reunions in the last 2 years 74 and 75 I am delighted to find that so many people enjoyed their experience as I did. Congratulations on setting up this archive it is an appropriate tribute to the people who passed through the college and to the difference made to the lives of so many young people in their care. If its not too morbid – has any though been given to a new section on ditch colleagues that are no longer with us?

A fantastic record of the college. A really valuable record of the college especially as I understand most of the buildings have now been demolished. Many thanks for your hard work in putting these pictures together.

Ah what memories ….. wonderful idea to produce this . I was at ditch from 65 to 68 and loved every single second . Anyone remember the longest summer holiday ever? when the college was closed early due to an outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning great times hey !!!
Anyway now happily retired as i imagine most of the 68 yr group are by now. Still in touch with some very close friends i met at ditch all those years ago , but a touch sad at the state of the place now . John B

I began working at Coopers Hill Training College in October 1946 and it had not been open for long. I was aged 16 was given a birthday cake soon afterwards.I was a veg. cook and dining room assistant They were the best teenage years. We lived in and 13 girls loved all of it. Thank you.

Just got back from the ’75 year re-union in Lichfield, where I heard about this site. Just brilliant, as was the re-union weekend. I feel so lucky to have spent 3 years of my life with so many lovely people. The years rolled back as we reminisced the good times! Hears to the next time we all meet up again.

Hi y’all … 201 68 Year at Ditch in Group 13 with the likes of Tim Watson, Neil Windsor, John (Sandy) Saunders, Barrie Williams , Derek Wilson, Barry Yeats, Viv Williams etc etc. Happy to receive contacts to reminisce about the “good old days! “