FELDEN CROFT
1939-1945 second world war page 5

One student we should mention here is Anne Woolliams who had studied with Noreen at both Woolborough House and Imhof House before completing her training at Felden in 1943 to join the Kyasht Ballet. She also appeared in the film, 'The Red Shoes' along with Joy Camden who was later to teach at Charters for many years. Anne was appointed assistant director of the Stuttgart Ballet and director of the Cranko Ballet School. She became artistic director of the Australian Ballet in 1976 and finally, before her retirement, artistic director of the Vienna State Opera Ballet.

Paul received the following telegram from his parents, it is very revealing:

10.44 DORMANSPARK EG OF 9TH
KIMM HEATH BROW SCHOOL HEMELHEMPSTEADHERTS
= A HAPPY PEACE DARLING LOVE =
MUMMY AND DADDY BROW KIMM

A complementary letter follows dated, "Wed 9 May Victory Day. Dearest Paul, What wonderful news isn't it. I was thinking about you all day yesterday and tried to send a telegram, but without result, however I managed it this morning and do hope you receive it. Also don't lose it, it's something you should always keep, the few words mean, 'Mummy and Daddy hope you will be happy all your life'. We love you, Mummy and Daddy." The German surrender was signed on 7 and 8 May, 1945, 'Victory in Europe' day.

Apart from the affectionate sentiments it should be noted the telegram was sent from Dormans Park, East Grinstead. This was the new home of Bush Davies, Charters Towers. Over subsequent years, in written articles, promotional material and the like, the move from Felden to Charters Towers had always been dated as 'at the end' of the war or 'after' the war, never 'before' the end of the war; it was assumed to have been post-war simply because it was a more convenient explanation.

A favourable end to the war had been expected for some time and it is possible the Sherbrookes suggested they would like to re-occupy their own home once again. More likely though, as evidenced by the sudden growth in student numbers at Charters, was the increasing demand for places at the school which could not be accommodated at Felden.

We are now some sixty-five years away from this 'leap of faith' to Charters Towers and memories have clouded. But have they all? We are keen to hear from anyone who was involved in the relocation to East Grinstead.

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