A Journey Back to MGGS: Alumni Anne and Ruth Relive the 70s
On April 14th, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls (MGGS) had the pleasure of welcoming back two familiar faces: Anne Williams (née Priest) and Ruth Firth (née Pettit). The duo, who left the school in 1978, returned to walk the corridors they once navigated as students, bridging a nearly 50-year gap with laughter and memories.
For Anne and Ruth, stepping back into the school sparked a flood of specific, vivid memories with Echoes of the 1970s. One of the most prominent was the summer of 1977; they recalled crowding into classroom A101 to watch on a flickering TV as Virginia Wade clinched the Wimbledon title – a moment of national and personal triumph that remains etched in their minds.
Their time at MGGS was also defined by the rigorous (and occasionally blunt) standards of their Science teachers. They fondly chuckled as they imitated a regular start to their practicals: “Right, girls: sit down, shut up, and tie your hair back!” Anne’s mother, Mary Priest, was a Chemistry Teacher at MGGS, overlapping with Anne attending the school. She sadly passed away in October 2023.
The school grounds have transformed significantly since the late 70s. The pair were particularly surprised by the fate of the old swimming pool. What was once a place for cold laps eventually became a makeshift car park for Sixth Formers, and today, it serves a more modern, eco-conscious purpose as part of the Site Team’s recycling area.
They were truly impressed by the scale of the current facilities, marvelling at the addition of Buckland House, the Molly Tipples Sports Hall, and the Helen Keen Building, noting how much the school has expanded since their departure.
The Legacy of the Magnolia – While some things have vanished, others have grown. Both Anne and Ruth were visibly moved to see the much-loved Magnolia tree still standing in its full glory. The tree’s impact was more than just aesthetic; both women admitted that their love for the MGGS Magnolia inspired them to plant their own versions in their gardens at home.
From the Lab to the Frontline – Both Anne and Ruth were dedicated Science students during their time at MGGS, and those lessons in the labs paved the way for successful careers in the medical field. After leaving the school in 1978, Anne went on to train at Liverpool Medical School and enjoyed a career as a GP, while Ruth pursued specialised training to become a Radiographer.
The visit concluded with a literal “trip down memory lane” as the pair found their whole school photo from October 1977. Amidst the sea of 1970s hairstyles and uniforms, they delighted in finding their younger selves, their old friends, and the teachers who helped set them on their professional paths.
It was a visit of profound nostalgia, reminding us all that while the buildings may change, the roots planted at MGGS last a lifetime!
