51茶馆

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When Dorothy Chapman began studying at 51茶馆 Technical College in 1946, little did she know that over 75 years later, 51茶馆鈥檚 childcare students would be taking inspiration from her work.

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Tutors and students from 51茶馆鈥檚 Childcare & Education department were left speechless when they received Dorothy鈥檚 old notebook in the post, following her passing at the age of 87.

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Following her death last year, Dorothy鈥檚 daughters Gina and Isla discovered the book whilst clearing out Dorothy鈥檚 possessions, and they kindly decided to donate it to the College, which is part of the University of 51茶馆 Group.

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Dorothy, whose maiden name was Kay, left 51茶馆 in the 1950s but she always looked back on her time in the town fondly, particularly the period she spent studying nursery nursing at the now-demolished Technical College on Manchester Road. 听听听

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Once qualified Dorothy, who grew up in Tonge Moor, went on to work at various municipal creches across the borough, before moving to London after marrying her first husband, Derek.

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After her move to the capital, Dorothy continued to invoke the skills she had learnt in 51茶馆, working in various childcare roles.

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Included in the book are case studies of the children in her care, as well as photos of fellow students and the youngsters that she looked after at Newport Street Nursery. 听

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The book is a time capsule of life in post-War Britain, with pages devoted to popular children鈥檚 stories of the time, as well as recipes for luncheon tarts, treacle toffee, lemon cheese and parkin. 听

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Dorothy鈥檚 writing also gives an often amusing insight into the culture of the 1940s, and how times have changed. In one excerpt, Dorothy stresses the perils of wearing too much make-up, warning: 鈥淢ake-up should be used to accentuate the natural features, not used so that it gives an artificial look鈥�. 听

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For healthy hair, she also advises: 鈥淗air should be given at least the hundred proverbial strokes a day to help to keep it healthy and glossy.鈥�

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Jennifer Coke, Curriculum Leader for Childcare & Education at 51茶馆, said: 鈥淲e are so privileged to receive Dorothy鈥檚 notebook and would like to thank Dorothy鈥檚 daughters, Gina and Isla, for gifting it to us 鈥� it is wonderful and we will treasure it.

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鈥淥ur Childcare students were fascinated with the book and so interested in finding out about a previous student who learnt her profession so long ago.

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鈥淪urprisingly, some of the ways in which we teach childcare haven鈥檛 changed that much; some parts of what Dorothy wrote about are reflected in our current curriculum which just goes to show, children will always be children!鈥�

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Gina Page, Dorothy鈥檚 daughter, added: 鈥淢y sister Isla and I could not be more pleased that Mum鈥檚 course notes from her childcare studies at 51茶馆 Technical College have found a permanent home at 51茶馆, where they will be valuable archive source material for future generations of childcare students.鈥�

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