Comments on: Fiona Skrine, the Sit-in at Spital Square

By: Janet Evans (was Janet Evans)

Janet Evans (was Janet Evans) — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 16:20:39 +0000

I was in CFS from 1945-1953. Miss West was the headmistress. Are there any of us left? I would love to hear of any old CFS girls of my era.

By: Godfrey Valentine

Godfrey Valentine — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 16:28:15 +0000

A most inspiring story. Congratulations Fiona.

By: Georgia Norman (nee Terry)

Georgia Norman (nee Terry) — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:20:08 +0000

I went to CFS from 1970 til 1975. I was lucky enough to be at the old building till it was closed. I went on to the school in Mile end but left soon after to go to work. I enjoyed my years there even though it was so old, and can remember all my classmates and all my teachers. I started in the first year with Miss Ferrier and was in the porta cabin type building in the playground. Happy years and I agree Mrs Dunford was a brilliant headmistress usually wore her black cloak in assembly and always wore a smart and fashionable suit underneath. One of my best friends now is Patricia Townsend who was also at the school but a few years older.

By: Chrissie Beesley

Chrissie Beesley — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:42:53 +0000

I was a CFS girl from 59 to 64 – thank you for saving our school Hall, part of our history and heritage.

By: Russell Nixon

Russell Nixon — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:35:30 +0000

I worked for Simon Wheeler as his studio assistant and it was though him I met Fiona his now wife at their beautiful house in Spitalfeilds, it was the first time a visited the area. I fell in love with it then and still love it today. I never realizes what an important roll she played helping to preserve it until I read this artical. I loved her house, and the house they had their wedding reception in round the corner, a fantastic evening I’l never forget. The area is a living testimony to her courage and conviction that we can all enjoy today.

By: Dahlia Simmons (nee Dudley)

Dahlia Simmons (nee Dudley) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:31:07 +0000

I went to CFS from 1965 and wonder if anyone remembers me and my good friends Louise Hurts, Pauline Moss , also Sharon Beaumont….. phew names are coming back to me

By: dawn powell

dawn powell — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:01:03 +0000

I went to central foundation in 1972, thank you so much for saving part of it, it was such a beautiful building, my particualar memory is of the zooology Lab and the old bunson burners. We had to leave to move to Bow and the school was never the same. The old fashioned values dissappeared, and unfortunately many of our orignal teachers. Elaine dunford was a great headmistress.

By: Joan Harding

Joan Harding — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:42:21 +0000

I went to Central Foundation School in 1952 after passing the 11 plus I was one of very few who won a scholarship place. I will definitely have to try to get to London and have a meal in the restaurant before I am too old

By: Jo

Jo — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:21:58 +0000

Thank you for saving my old school hall! I’ll have to save up to eat there on my next trip back home.

By: Denise Hoffman

Denise Hoffman — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 22:17:43 +0000

I loved this post on Fiona! I totally agree with Jill, the world needs more Fiona’s for sure! I am very new to this wonderful website and discovered the Gentle Author quite by accident. I am a Londoner by birth (Hackney) but have lived the past 21 years in Pennsylvania. For the past 2.5 years I have been researching my family tree, many of whom originated in Fournier St, Sclater Street, Wentworth Street, Mentmore Terrace, all in the Spitalfields and Bethnal Green areas of London. Many listed occupations of silk weaving and boot making on the census records. I am so excited to now receive your daily wonderfully descriptive piece. It just helps me see a little more clearer how life must have been back in times gone by. Thank you so much!!