I (Angela Foster, (Alliband)) was a pupil at Tollerton County Primary School from 1969-1975. I remember, so vividly, many wonderful times and traditions at the school. It was such a formative time in all our lives and those years were spent with much joy which I know was the result of Mrs Gretton's leadership of the staff and children there. I agree with Shona's comments that Mrs Gretton was scary, but always fair and encouraging.

She introduced us to such a variety of experiences; from maypole dancing to delicious crab apple jelly! A particular memory was Harvest Festival, where the three houses of Beech, Elm and Oak competed with each other through folk and pop songs, drama and art. This was so exciting, gave us a chance to be creative and developed pupils ability to plan and lead others.

Assemblies were formative too. I still remember the hymns; ‘When a Knight won his Spurs’  ‘God is love’ and ‘Cross over the road my Friend’  Everyone also loved Mr Jarvis teaching us Lyrics from ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’. I can still see Mrs Gretton conducting us in my mind and one of my life skills is always to come in singing on time and loudly on that first note. She introduced us to classical music; if I hear Carmen, Pictures at an Exhibition, or Peer Gynt, I am transported back to our assembly hall. We learnt other pearls of wisdom in assembly; it is because of Mrs Gretton that I never put bread out for the birds at nesting time, or pick bluebells in the woods!

I came across an article about Mrs Gretton a couple of years ago, that said she was still teaching Yoga at her Nottingham Care residence. So I wrote to her with my many memories and I received a lovely reply. I hope she realised what an impact she had on so many children. I am so thankful for her life and send thoughts and prayers to her family.