Photograph of gathering at Hook School, c 1960

This photograph was taken to mark the retirement of Mrs Bessie Titcombe (nee Strange) of Greatfield, who had been a very popular dinner lady at Hook School for many years. Mothers and school children gathered for the occasion as well as the vicar, Revd. Brian Carne. Hook School was a Church of England School.

Bessie can be seen sitting in the front row to the right of the headmistress Miss Ward and her teaching colleague. They are holding a pair of table lamps, Bessie's leaving present. It is thought that the lamp stands were made by local Hook potter, Miss Malone.

Thanks goes to the Strange family of Hook for identifying so many people in the photograph:

Back row L to R:Mrs Rawlings; Mary Morse nee Parsons; ?; Theresa Collis (holding Robert);?; Mary Morse; Eileen Saunders; Mrs Boyce; Granny Godwin & Mrs Godwin in front of her; ?; Revd. Brian Carne; Mrs Collis's sister; ?; ?; Anna Strange (half face showing); Loui Shepherd; Ruby Drury with Michael Drury; Granny Morse.