School History - 1998

March

11th: “The Friend’s Association have organised a film for our pupils, instead of an end of term disco.  The newly released film ‘George of the Jungle’ will be shown…” (newsletter).

June 2nd

“Many of you will be aware that our caretaker Mr Parrington, ‘Mr P’ to the children will be retiring on the 3rd July.  He has been caretaker at Ridgemede for the past 17 years and inevitably will be enormously missed.  Not only has he done his job splendidly, but just as important is the influence and role model he has given to so many of pupils both past and present.  No one whether child, member of staff, parent, visitor or workman will have failed to be impressed with his commitment to the school and dedication to his job.” (newsletter).

July 10th

“… the send-off the children gave him was memorable and he took with him their present of a model speed-boat (which he will be back to test at the swimming pool when it has been constructed) and very many good luck cards in all shapes and sizes.” (newsletter)

“I am delighted that FORSA is able to assist the school with the creation of our computer room.  They will be helping with the fitting out of this area, ready for the computers to be installed by the beginning of next term.” (newsletter).

November 20th

“The Millennium.  Although over twelve months away, like many other organisations we are making our plans… the school is in the very early stages of investigating the possibility of building an ‘open air classroom’.  This would be in the shape of an amphitheatre, with bench seating set into the face of the back…  I feel something along those lines would be a fitting addition to the school, to mark this very special occasion.” (newsletter)

December

‘The First Christmas Rose’ performed.

Ridgemede Staff, 1998

8

David Porter – Headteacher
Gen Marsh – Deputy Head
Ann Tromans
Jacqui Clift
Gill Cooper
Gill Blundell
Jan Brook
Janet Young
Sam Machin
Diana Rudge
Jackie Tredré
Sarah Handcock
Tania Brown

Eva Boston
Shelia Rickman (until February)
Julie Blake
Leslie McLay
Debbie Barclay
Jeannette Mars
Karen Anderson
Coralie Franklin
Debbie Simpson
Nina Hunter
Becky Thompson
Julie Carpenter (February - July)
Sharon Griffen (February - July)
Julie Johnson (from September)

Liz Channon (Administration officer)
June Harding (Assistant administration officer)
Derek Parrington (caretaker) (until July)
Roger Bryant (caretaker) (from June)
Graham Newton (assistant caretaker) (from September)
Sheila Scovell (cleaner) (until July)
Molly Gomer (cleaner)