Modern Foreign Languages News

Where will languages really take you? From a student at PGHS to France?

When I last visited France in the summer, I was invited to a BBQ hosted by an Australian couple (something very unusual)! They had also invited an English couple and were keen to meet more English speakers. It is very rare to meet people of different nationalities where I come from. As I got talking to one of the English guests and explained that I live in the North West near a town called Preston, it turned out the lady I was talking to (Mrs Denton) was originally from Lancashire and had been to school at Penwortham Girls’ and did I know the school?! What were the chances of meeting an ex-Penwortham Girls’ student in a small town in France? I told Mrs Denton about our Newsletter et voilà! I hope you enjoy reading about her journey and if you know anyone who went to the school at the same time and remembers her, she is keen to keep in touch.

Madame Raine

In 1962, I started my secondary school education at Penwortham Girls’ Grammar. I was the smallest girl in the school and the only child to come from my village so I knew no-one. The school was only 7 years old so all the buildings seemed very light, airy and modern compared to my Victorian village school. 

I was brought up on a farm and when I read to our English teacher, the Headmistress, Miss Waddington, she said that my reading was, ‘ An example of the most dreadful Lancashire accent, and I hope that by the time you leave this school  you will have learnt to speak properly.’ I think that now, your school would have rather more understanding of the delicate feelings of its’ pupils!

Despite this, I loved school and made friends with whom I am still in contact with. I enjoyed most of the subjects and I particularly enjoyed learning French. I studied it up to ‘A’ level along with English and geography. 

After university, I became an English teacher and eventually, the Deputy Headteacher of a large comprehensive school. 

I continued my love of France and spent many holidays with my family in different regions. In 1993, this led to us buying a small holiday cottage in Brittany and being able to converse with my neighbours made settling in much easier. Later, when we retired, we moved to a larger house with a huge garden in the Sarthe, near to Le Mans. Being able to speak French meant that I could join in with the life of the community and make good friends. As a member of a local Heritage society, I have translated many official documents for visitors to use. 

We have now lived in France for 14 years. Recently, when we were sharing a meal with friends, we met a lady who had married an English man and now lived in Lancashire. Imagine my amazement when it turned out that she was Madame Raine, currently teaching at my old school! It brought back many happy memories and when I looked up your school online, I was most impressed by the dynamism and commitment of the pupils and the breadth of ambition of the school. 

Learning the language of another country can be a gateway into understanding and improving relationships – something which is greatly needed in today’s world. Never underestimate where your studies may take you, in your youth or in your later life. 

June Denton 

(June Wallbank 1962- 1969) 

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