Avril Patterson

The first school I attended was Malone P.E. School, Balmoral Avenue, Belfast. I also attended Moybane School, Letterbreen and the Model School, Enniskillen and the Enniskillen Collegaate School.

I walked, cycled and took the bus to school.

My teachers included Miss Clarke, Miss Kathleen Gridle and Miss Blackburn. Mrs Clarke was a lovely lady. She gave me beautiful poetry books; Paradise Lost, Milton. She taught me English. Miss Gridle was a famous artist, she taught me art. Miss Blackburn taught maths and was a great teacher.

We played skipping, rounders and ball games at school. My best friend was Maureen (Malone School) and Marie (Enniskillen Collegiate).

When I attended the Collegiate I took part in a production of Alice in Wonderland. I was a playing card. It took place in Enniskillen Town Hall. I recited The Salt of the Earth in Enniskillen Town Hall.

My educational attainments included G.C.S.E in English Literature and English Language. A City and Guild’s qualification in Patchwork. And the Guildhall School of Music and Drama – Elocution with Merit (June 1939).