My time at Homefield School, from 1967 to 2004, is filled with fond memories and meaningful connections. It all began with a visit with my grandfather, who wanted to ensure the school was the right fit for me. Upon arrival, its beauty and extent of the grounds and buildings captivated us, and his approval gave me confidence as I joined the school's staff. Settling into 2, Homefield Lane, ‘the Homefield cottage,’ designated for unmarried staff, I found myself with the largest bedroom. It was here that I met the art teacher at Bilton Grange, Alexi, who occupied the middle-sized room. 

The house at the time had a solid fuel boiler, which I adeptly lit from the ample supply of coke in the bunker. Alexi  Pendle, amazed at my capabilities, proceeded to invite a group of 5 young bachelors over from B.G. “You must come and meet Anne, she is a wizard with the boiler”. It was during this visit that I met Anthony Day. Our connection sparked, and a conversation about Coventry Cathedral led to our first date there just days later. We were engaged in April a year later, married in the summer holidays and we were given a school house, one of the Cock Robin Cottages. We lived here for 19 years before moving to the far side of the Wild Gardens, Grange Cottage for the rest of our time at Homefield and Bilton Grange. Life at the school involved the whole family, and we saw many other marriages between members of staff of Homefield and Bilton Grange, including the Summersons, the Nicholsons, the Newtons, the Headleys, the Normans and the Greenwoods to name a few. 

As a teacher, my role evolved over the years, from teaching Kindergarten under the leadership of the wonderful Nancy Machin, to becoming involved in a wide variety of aspects of school life. Despite temporarily stepping away from teaching to welcome my sons in the early 1970s, my involvement with the school community never wavered. I cherished the opportunities to contribute to the education and well-being of the children. I spent time with Bilton Grange pupils who needed extra help and encouragement, and I covered as a supply teacher for illness, teacher bereavements, maternity leave and sabbaticals at Homefield when required. 

In the 14 years as form teacher of ‘Avon’ in Year3, I particularly enjoyed teaching core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Geography and History, as well as Religious Education, Art, Textiles and Handwriting. I would take great pleasure in learning topics with the children, and I believe they could really sense the joy and enthusiasm held by the teachers at the school. I would end each day by reading to the children a chapter from a book such as Lady Daisy Chain by Dick King Smith. They would sit quietly enthralled by the story and enjoyed making a 3D doll picture dressed to match. We would always try to finish each day calmly with a blessing or a prayer. 

I have always been passionate about sewing, and one of my fondest memories is of creating costumes for plays such as ”Iolanthe”, "She Stoops to Conquer", "My Fair Lady", "Alice in Wonderland" outside in the grounds, "Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat" and I recall Ruddigore’s 18 bridesmaids in polka dot dresses were quite a challenge! There was a period when the School Shop lost its dress supplier, and I volunteered to make the Homefield dresses, twelve at a time. On my retirement in 2004, I was delighted to be presented with one of the dresses that I’d made! The name label inside read ‘Emily Birch,’ as the original owner and who was one of the first girls to go on to attend Rugby School, and the first female top scholar there. The dresses stood the test of time!  I was also responsible for making the blue choir robes during Richard Dingle’s time as Head of Music.  

My involvement extended beyond the classroom, and I embraced my role as both a parent and a teacher. Weekends could be spent watching cricket or rugby with my sons, Timothy and Edward, and enjoying times at the outdoor swimming pool with Clare Fisher with young Paul. Timothy would join me when I became quartermaster on the annual Scout Camps, in the early days my in-laws would often take a nearby cottage with Edward. Scouts were later replaced by school canal narrow boat weeks, the ‘Centenary’ with Ray Jarvis at the helm. 

On weekends in my early days at Homefield, we often pitched in with tea service, and one memorable incident stands out from Homefield. In our larder, we kept two galvanized buckets of milk from Lion Farm. During one weekend when I was on duty, we unexpectedly ran out of milk and without hesitation, I put the ladle from the empty bucket into the new bucket of milk. However, in my haste, I neglected to use a fresh ladle, causing the entire fresh batch to sour! I don’t think I confessed to my blunder! 

We had some wonderful trips during my time at Homefield. Yvonne Coulson and I would take Year 3 on five-day long visits, alternating each year between Tenby and York. The trips were busy as we led tours and visits by day, an evening activity and looking after the children in the hotels. I have good memories and the expeditions left lasting impressions on many of the pupils too. 

Throughout the years, Homefield exuded a sense of warmth and belonging, fostered by exceptional leadership and dedicated staff. Headmistress Pat Clough's dramatic flair (she could take on any accent) and Sylvia Clements' kindness for the children; Maggie Edwards who built up the school in numbers and diversity, left lasting impressions. I remember Anne Skyrme as a very special music teacher who inspired many when I first arrived at Homefield in 1967, as did Kathryn Watson in my later years. We made wonderful, supportive friendships, and we would rejoice and commiserate together in the staff room, Barbara Moulton and Conny Dachtler became very good friends and colleagues and there were many other supporting friendships before Homefield became purely a pre-prep to Bilton Grange.  Food was very important, especially the roasts! All meals were cooked on the premises, and the teaching and pastoral staff sat with the children as they were social occasions and an important part of the school day.  

Now, in retirement, my husband Anthony and I reside in a beautiful home in North Yorkshire, where we often reminisce about our time at Homefield at Bilton Grange. We make regular visits, and our son Timothy is now employed by Rugby School. Homefield’s motto, "by love serve one another," remains at the heart of our values. We are delighted that so many Homefieldians will be coming together for the Reunion on 23 March. I am disappointed that we are unable to attend due to a clash of dates. (I am committed to helping with the breakfast in the village Hall and helping with the procession to Redmire Church and the service for Palm Sunday on the 24th March.) I send everyone my very best wishes for the Special Reunion at Homefield. 

Memories by Anne Day.

The Homefield Reunion is set to take place on 23 March. Register here if you would like to attend!