Sir,
Very sad to hear about the closure of Netherwood School. I was lucky enough to be a pupil there from the age of 6-11 (1964-1969) when the school was run by Mrs. Jane Baxter-Harries and her daughter Marjorie (as Matron).
What a wonderful place it was, with real old-fashioned teachers - Mrs. Douglas Harries (Mrs. Pugwash!), Mrs. Davies, Penny Hilling and the late Jane Hughes (my hockey idol and an amazing woman) teaching sports, and not forgetting the very humorous Mrs. Tubbritt in the kitchen - every one of them so characterful and people one could never forget.
I was one of the 'day bugs' at Netherwood, and Matron looked after the boarders and us so well and Mrs. Harries was such a gentlewoman - a wonderful French teacher too.
We had amazing sports days in the summer and put on excellent school plays at the Regency Hall in Saundersfoot in the winters. I was proud of my red and grey uniform - though didnt like the tasselled beret much.
I kept in touch with most of my teachers over the years - a testament to the examples and influence they offered and the respect I always felt for them. I know when Hugh Morris took over the school it grew in success and achievements and changed with the times - as everything has to.
I'm not sure how many pupils passed through those doors over the years, but I'm sure most of us have wonderful memories - and I am indeed very sad to see that the school will not be opening its doors again for the autumn term.
Nicola Bowen-Rees,
Sevenoaks.