Francis Meerendonk

It was, and still is, the Home to the British Diamond Trade, dealing with celebrities, royalty, the rich and famous. The same as when Gladys met Francis in the early 1930s and they were married at Camberwell in 1934.

The Meerendonk Family moved to Kingham Hill School in the early 1950's. Later Gladys's father, Mr Hatherill, also moved to Bradford House. He was a part of Bradford until his death in the early 1960s.

Francis taught Physics and Chemistry in school to a very high standard. With his common sense and methodical approach, he was able to guide us in all subjects at prep time. He encouraged us to think for ourselves and check our own work. Those Bradford Boys who knew him, loved him, respected him and trusted him. He never let us down.

Gladys was the House Mistress. We didn't have the same contact with her. She was more behind the scenes, dealing with clothing and stores. She did have a daily contact with us at dinner because most days she would sit at the head of one of the House dining tables, always smiling and pleased for us with our small successes or interested in our letters from home.