Tunbridge Wells
Regional Training Centre (RTC)
Tunbridge Wells RTC
Many RTCs were situated within country estates or large private house like the one pictured opposite.



Image: The RTC at Hawkenbury, Tunbridge Wells (Julie Taylor).
| EXIT | RTC | 
Regional Training Centre

Julie Taylor recalls:

I lodged with a family called Herridge for six weeks while I trained. It was the first time away from my family and although I missed them, the Herridge's treated me like a daughter. I used to go home on weekends, all paid for by the GPO. Home was Harlow where I worked after training.

It was a great job. I used to earn 2 pounds 17 (shillings) and 6d a week. Meals were in the canteen where the older ladies were like mums. What a great era, life was simple then.

The supervisors seemed stern, but they were fair and I'm sure needed to keep us chatterboxes in order. I loved "refresher" days where our skills were updated and our flaws pointed out. Great times and ones I remember with great affection.

I left when the exchange went automatic....I liked the old-fashioned way better.


Julie Taylor

"Julie writes: "I was fifteen and the sixties were awesome. The group was a really great bunch and the older ones looked out for the young ones, mostly us in the front row."
Class of 1963 - The Trainee Telephonists in Hawkenbury.
From back left:
M. Paddock, H. Taberer, Teacher - Miss Hemsley, Luda Bordon, Angie Newton, Mr Andrews and Roy Garred.

Front row:
Julie Taylor, Rose, Jean, Bev,Gale.





Image: The Group Photo - 1963(Julie Taylor).
 
   
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