A centenarian woman recently revisited her former school, Tolworth Girls’ School & Sixth Form in Surrey, after 86 years since her education was interrupted in 1939 due to World War Two. Maureen Smith, now 100 years old, reminisced about her school days and wartime experiences with staff and Year 12 students during her nostalgic visit. Accompanied by her niece Jacqui, also a former student of the school, Maureen expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the opportunity to reconnect with the past.
Maureen shared that she felt relieved not to return to school in 1939 and cherished the chance to relive her memories. She fondly interacted with current students and teachers, expressing her joy at the visit arranged by Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton, her current residence. Starting work at the Hawker factory in Kingston at the age of 15 in 1941, Maureen contributed to the design and construction of the iconic Hurricane aircraft crucial in the Battle of Britain.
Reflecting on her journey through the war era and beyond, Maureen built a family with her husband Colin, an Army veteran, before moving to Royal Star & Garter in April 2025. Niece Jacqui echoed her aunt’s sentiments, appreciating the special day they shared at Tolworth Girls’ School. The school’s History Subject Lead, Sam Dixon, expressed gratitude for the extraordinary visit, emphasizing the impact of Maureen’s firsthand accounts on students and staff.
Yasmin Rogers, Deputy Home Manager at Royal Star & Garter, highlighted the significance of reconnecting Maureen with her past and underlined the organization’s commitment to personalized care for residents. Royal Star & Garter, a charity supporting veterans and families facing disability or dementia, offers various community services in addition to residential care. For those interested in learning more about their services or job opportunities, visit www.starandgarter.org/surbiton.