IN LIGHT of the recent articles we’ve published on the temporary use of the Sidney Hall as a school after Holy Trinity School in Weymouth was damaged by a landmine, today we’re paying tribute to one of the school’s longest serving teachers.

Phyllis Ashton, nee Allgood, died aged 100 in August after working at the school for 32 years.

A stalwart of the school, she left to get married in 1945 and returned after a frantic request from Miss Richardson because of a shortage of staff.

A chapter is dedicated to Mrs Ashton’s memories in ‘Three Into One Will Go’, a book on the story of Holy Trinity Schools written by Geoff Pritchard, of Weymouth.

When she joined the staff of the girls’ school in 1937 the school was using its Victorian building at Chapelhay, which became damaged by a landmine in 1940.

She remembers the infant, girls’ and boys’ school being in the building.

Mrs Ashton recalled: “There was a small playground, two or three toilets, small cloakroom and three large rooms – one separate, the others linked together with large screens dividing two of them.

“The windows were high up – well above eye level – no gazing out! It was a happy school with a very kind and tolerant head – Miss Richardson – and a friendly staff.

“In spite of the lack of space – cupboards, display room etc, I grew to enjoy it there and life passed pleasantly until the Second World War disrupted everything.”

After the bombing at Chapelhay, Mrs Ashton ended up teaching at the Old Technical School, now the Mulberry Arts Centre. She remembered: “We were all squashed into that building – three classes in one room – and remained until the end of the War. Two of us were in charge of up to 100 girls. Miss Swatridge played the piano and I, though not very musical, had to teach them folk songs. The sound level was increased by a percussion band joining in.”

Mrs Ashton got married and left her job as teacher in July 1945 with no intention of teaching again.

She said: “For the next six years I lived in Weymouth and from time to time had appeals to help out at St Mary’s and from Miss Richardson .

“By then the school had moved to the Sidney Hall so life was a bit easier for them all.”

One day Mrs Ashton made the decision to return and was persuaded to apply for a job at the new school at Rodwell which was being built.

She remembered: “I really did spend some very happy years there and when Mr Windust retired Mr Venner became head – he too was very tolerant and things continued as before.”

Mrs Ashton said at the time: “I still like to hear of old pupils who have done well in life – and quite a large number have.

“I can remember a great many of them, their funny little sayings and when I hear a name I can visualise the child.”

Geoff Pritchard, a former Holy Trinity pupil, was taught by Mrs Ashton.

He said: “She had a real ability to encourage and inspire children to learn and I can recall being really interested in the literature to which she introduced us.”

When compiling the book on the story of Holy Trinity schools, Geoff met with Mrs Ashton again. She also came to a reunion evening in 2007 and attended the official opening of the new building at Holy Trinity in Cross Road the following year.

Aged 95, she was given a tour of the building and met a new generation of children.

Geoff said: “By chance I met her in the Beefeater Restaurant by Sainsbury’s only in May and she talked of happy memories of her time at Holy Trinity.”

Following her death in August a former pupil left a touching tribute to Mrs Ashton on the Dorset Echo website. It read: “Fond memories of a sweet animal-lover, who taught us sewing. Sadly missed.”

DO you have any photos or memories of Phyllis Ashton that you would like to share with Looking Back? If so, contact Joanna Davis on 01305 830973 or email joanna.davis@dorsetecho.co.uk