Portland Training College

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• My Auntie May, Elva and Vera formed The Blidworth Freelance Group to fundraise for many many establishments around the 60’s to 80’s.
  They donated and arranged fundraising events for Portland Training College. As a child I remember going to presentations and Country and Westerns (Square Dances) there.
  There was also something they did where a cuddly toy was made, I think it was called a beefod..?? and badges went on sale. I have a photo which was taken at a presentation, all the members of the Freelance Group were holding this beefod cuddly toy… I do not know what this toy was all about…??? (It might have something to do with Spina Bifida). I wonder if anyone can shed some light on this please?

  By Tina (28/03/2022)

• Thanks for these pictures. Caught up with them after seeing archive footage of The Queen and Prince Philip visiting the College last night on East Midlands News, was briefly caught at the end of the programme catching sight of Tom Ashton – 9.4.21
  I spotted my Godfather Tom Ashton in these pictures who was Chairman of the College. My father Dick Pogmore was also brought up attending St Edmund’s at Mansfield Woodhouse!

  By Edward Pogmore (10/04/2021)

• This is certainly Mr Gill, I was his Secretary from 1962-65!

  By Julia Fox (maiden name Clay) (08/02/2016)

• You are quite right Tom, John Gill Father of Ken was not only the Organist but the Choir Master, I remember them both from my time  in the Choir, Ken was also a good Organist and a very useful footballer playing for St Edmunds in the North Notts League alongside John Downham and David Butchart, Happy Days.

  By Clifford Burton (26/03/2015)

• I recognise Ken Gill, old Woodhouse lad on pics 3,4.5,and 6.Was he the first Principal of the Portland Training College? I think his Father was the organist at St Edmunds Church, Mansfield Woodhouse!

  By tom Shead (25/03/2015)