1950s’ Memories

We are delighted to have received a valuable addition to our archives – an immaculately maintained scrapbook by a former pupil.

Hazel Chesterman, who studied at South Hampstead from 1945 until 1954, sadly passed away in 2013 and her daughter Sheena Phillips has donated her scrapbook to the school.

The journal contains many photos we have not seen before, as well as fascinating extra information such as the menu for the 75th anniversary dinner in 1951 (turkey with cranberry sauce and sprouts). Photos include snapshots of the school lining the route for the Queen’s visit to Hampstead in 1953, and of a garden planted in the Queen’s honour. There are also whole school photos, pieces of school work and Hazel’s O Level and A Level examination papers in Latin, French and German.

When Hazel started at South Hampstead, she was awarded a full scholarship; she maintained this high standard throughout her school career, winning work and subject prizes every single year. She also excelled at sport and became netball and tennis captain after 1950, as well as Head of New Zealand House and Deputy Head Girl in 1953 – 1954.

Hazel went on to train as a primary school teacher at Homerton College, Cambridge, and ran a nursery school for 25 years. Latterly, she completed an Open University degree in Biology and Philosophy, and published a book, Choose the Sex of your Baby.