| Description | /1: from M. Hammond, The Education Department (Women's Division), The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham: Mentions Sister Calista who is hoping to teach in a Catholic Elementary School in Birmingham but will have to work under a lay Headmistress or Headmaster. The Reverend Mother at St John's Convent [Moseley, Birmingham] has advised that the Mother General will only agree to Sister Calista making applications if Milne approves. Asks her to write to the Reverend Mother of St John's Convent to confirm that she approves the recommendation of the Education Department that Sister Calista applies for work in Catholic Elementary Recognised schools under lay heads, 22 January 1940
/2: from Sister Marie Francois, St John's Convent, 21 Park Road, Moseley, Birmingham: in French. Hopes that Milne is well and that the weather will improve. She has had a letter from her sister whom she had not heard from since the middle of December. Goes on to discuss Sister Calista and her teaching diploma, with teaching practice in a Catholic school, following the wishes of the 'Boone Mere', 29 January 1940
/3: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to M. Hammond, [The Education Department (Women's Division), The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham]: She has received a letter from the Mother Superior at Moseley [St John's Convent] which confirms that she has permission from France for Sister Calista to look for a post in a Catholic elementary school in Birmingham, 31 January 1940
/4: from M. Hammond, The Education Department (Women's Division), The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham: Discusses the health of Miss Canning, who failed her Science degree the previous year and has been suffering from depression. She is currently staying with Miss Tunnicliffe, and is comparing herself with Miss Tunnicliffe who did well in her finals and is now doing research. For family health reasons she cannot go home, so Hammond suggests that she could go away for a holiday or to go to University House if Miss Carpenter [Warden] will take her next term. Miss Reynolds, her former headmistress, might be able to find her somewhere to go in the holidays. Asks whether there is any possibility of a grant for her next term, 3 December 1938
/5: from M. Hammond, The Education Department (Women's Division), The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham: Miss Reynolds has given suggestions for holiday accommodation for Miss Canning but a payment has to be made at one of the places. Asks for advice about funds for financial assistance for her, 9 December 1938
/6: from John Carroll, Municipal Secondary School, Lodge Road, West Bromwich: Discusses the future career of Madeleine Carroll and possible vacation jobs. Explains that he wants her to stay a year at the University after her degree to get a diploma in Education so that she can take a post in a secondary school. 'Unfortunately during the summer holidays she met in France a young woman who filled her head with fairy tales about wonderful openings for women who become foreign secretaries to rich commercial men, prime ministers etc' and she now hopes to have a different career. He knows that Madeleine values Milne's advice, and he is thankful for the 'good influence' she has had on her. Asks for her help in persuading Madeleine to take up a definite profession like teaching, 12 February 1926
/7: handwritten pages of part of script by Madeleine Carroll, written in French, consisting of cast, summary, and the first part of Act 1, Scene 1 of play entitled 'La Voix du Sang'
/8: from Daphne M. Christian, Assaroe, High View Road, Douglas, Isle of Man: She is unable to return to the University next year as she has applied for a job at the Whiston County Hospital who were advertising for a student radiographer. The application form asks for three testimonials and asks whether Milne can provide one, 22 September 1946
/9: from Assistant Director, Liverpool Women Police Patrols, 89 Victoria Street, Liverpool: Informs Milne that Daphne Christian has applied for the post of Patrol and asks her to provide a reference. Gives details of the skills required for the post, 4 October 1946
/10: from V. J. Long, Head Master, Yardley Grammar School, Warwick Road, Birmingham: M. Cliffe, a former Birmingham student, has applied for the post of Senior Mistress at 'this co-educational school' and asks Milne to provide a reference, 15 June 1943
/11: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to V. J. Long, Yardley Grammar School, Warwick Road, Birmingham: Gives a character reference for Mary Cliffe, 17 June 1943
/12: from F. F. Potter, Director of Education, Cheshire County Council Education Department, County Education Offices, City Road, Chester: Asks Milne for a reference for Mary Cliffe, currently Senior Mistress at Preston Manor County School, Wembley Park, Middlesex, and gives details of the skills required for the post, 11 November 1946
/13: from Hazel Clarke, Oak Grange, 9 Lillington Avenue, Leamington Spa: She has been having interviews with managers about getting acting work. They have all suggested that she gains professional experience or goes to RADA [Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]. She needs paid work and asks Milne whether she might be able to get a job in a museum with her degree. Asks for Milne's advice about jobs, and asks her for a reference which should mention her French skills, 6 August 1939
/14: draft letter, possibly in Milne's handwriting, to The Secretary, Civil Service Commission, providing testimonial for Hazel Clarke
/15: from Hazel Clarke, Oak Grange, 9 Lillington Avenue, Leamington Spa: Asks Milne whether it would be possible for her to take an MA in English next academic year. She is currently doing war work which 'is extremely uninteresting'. Blames herself for her failure to get on the stage. There are even fewer opportunities now than before the war, 29 January 1940
/16: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Hazel Clarke: She is sorry that government work is dull but remarks 'what work isn't at times, and I am sure what you are doing is useful'. Suggests that stage work might be better in the future and comments that there is little work available for women at the moment. Advises her to spend more time thinking about whether to study for an MA degree, and that they might be able to meet when the current 'severe weather' has changed, 31 January 1940
/17: from Sheila Cliffe, 26 Vernon Road, Leeds: Discusses the possibilty of her return to the University for the final year in the French Honours School. She is still waiting for demobilisation and asks whether it might be possible for the University to apply for her release. Mentions that she might now consider teaching as a career as she did some lecturing in English Literature in the Signals Unit at Harrogate, and wonders whether the War Office would approve her release if she intended to train to be a teacher after her degree, 9 May 1946
/18: from Mademoiselle Schindler, Riant Port, La Tour de Peilz, Vevey, Switzerland: in French. Informs Milne that Miss Coats, who they have been very happy with between the departure of her fiance and the arrival of her family, plans to leave in a month because the situation is not suitable for her development as a piano teacher. Miss Coats had agreed to come to Riant Port for a year to teach English, Latin and Mathematics and to give occasional piano lessons. She realises that Miss Coats is young and inexperienced, but she disapproves of her attempts to get out of the contract she has signed. She does not want to change teachers in the middle of a school year but is prepared to let Miss Coats leave at Christmas if they can find a replacement. This is the first time this has happened, though Milne has recommended teachers in the past, including some who were engaged, 15 September 1936
/19: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Mademoiselle Schindler, Riant-Port, La Tour de Peilz, Vevey [Switzerland]: in French. She was annoyed to read Mademoiselle Schindler's news and immediately telephoned Miss Barbara Coates' father who does not seem to think her resignation from her post is final but will discuss the matter with his wife. Milne suggests that Miss Coates' resignation might not be final, as she is very young and might just be homesick. If she does leave, Milne will find a replacement, 19 October 1936
/20: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Mademoiselle Schindler, Riant-Port, La Tour de Peilz, Vevey [Switzerland]: in French. She has not yet been able to have a conversation with Mr Coates about his daughter, and she is writing without knowing whether Barbara Coates is leaving her post. Recommends Pauline Smart as a possible replacement. She is looking for a job at Christmas. She is dedicated, and she is sure she can be trusted, 30 October 1936
/21: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Miss [Katherine] Morley: Gives details of the vacant post at the Pensionnar Riant Port in Vevey, including the salary and duties. Mentions expeditions and tours that take place at the boarding school during Christmas and Easter vacations, and that Kathleen Ball was there last year. Explains that Barbara Coates is there at present but is planning to leave. Asks her to write to Mademoiselle Schindler and that if she wants to talk to Kathleen Ball to talk about her experiences she should contact her, 3 November 1936
/22: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Mademoiselle Schindler: Recommends Katherine Morley, 'a graduate with Honours in English who has Latin to a good subsidiary standard and is a trained teacher', for the post at Riant Port. Gives details of her character and personality, 4 November 1936
/23: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Mademoiselle Schindler, Pensionnat Riant Port: Thanks her for her letter explaining Miss Coates' departure. Hopes she will find Miss Morley as satisfactory as other students have been. Thanks her for offering to pay expenses, but the University will pay, 11 November 1936
/24: telegram from Mademoiselle Schindler to Jane Johnston Milne, in French, announcing that the English teacher [Miss Coates] has left, 31 October 1936
/25: from Mademoiselle Schindler, Riant Port, La Tour de Peilz, Vevey, Switzerland: in French. Thanks Milne for her help. She is sorry about the departure of Miss Coates who was intelligent, active, and pleasant company. Blames Miss Coates' fiance for her decision to leave. She was surprised to find him waiting with her at the station and expecting her to spend time with him during his vacation in Switzerland. She and her sister had tea with the couple, and they found Mr Langley [the fiance] intelligent but unfriendly. After he left she did her work with enthusiasm and interest until her aunts and uncle arrived for a visit and she was given leave to spend a few days with them at a hotel. After this she behaved differently. She asked for additional leave to see her father but she was not able to have the time she wanted because another teacher was ill. The next day after lunch she had left, and sent a postcard to let the school know she had returned to England. Thanks Milne for finding a new teacher so quickly. Miss Morley is arriving that day, 8 November 1936
/26: from Barbara P. Coates, 15 St Mary's Road, Harborne [Birmingham]: Confirms to Milne that she has returned home. She left Riant Port on 31 October and would have written earlier but she has been away from home. Sends her apologies for what has happened, 9 November 1936
/27: from Barbara P. Coates, 71 Hanover Streer, Leigh, Lancashire: Thanks Milne for her letter and apologises for the inconvenience. Mademoiselle Elsa Schindler has written to her and enclosed a signed statement to say that she had done full time work at her school from August to October, 18 November 1936
/28: from M. Hammond, Barbara Coates has applied to the local authority for teaching practice in Music. She doe not want to offer her a place in the Education Department after the incident with her post in France the previous year, 17 November 1936
/29: M. Hammond, The Education Department (Women's Division), The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham: Thanks Milne for the message she received via Miss Taylor, that she agrees with her view about Barbara Coates, 19 November 1936
/30: from Barbara Coates, Middleton House, Hanover Street, Leigh, Lancashire: Explains that the education authorities need to know the work she did during her Intermediary Year in 1936 between her final degree year and her diploma year. They need proof that she held a full time post abroad between August and October. She has written to Mademoiselle Schindler asking her to sign a statement that she held a full time post at the school. This was suggested by the Rotherham Education Authority. Asks Milne whether she would support this
/31: draft reply in pencil from Jane Johnston Milne to Barbara Coates: Suggests that the Local Education Authority contacts Mademoiselle Schindler to get a statement from her. Gives her view that she does not think she can count the two months service at the boarding school as her entitlement to a higher salary. She cannot write to Mademoiselle Schindler as she has not been able to remain in contact with her since Barbara Coates left her post there, 13 September 1939
/32: from Freda Parsons, Speech Consultant, 14 Harborne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham: She has seen Miss Cole and has diagnosed her with a speech impairment which is obvious when she is 'nervously tense'. Suggests different courses of treatment and their costs, 8 March 1943
/33: copy of letter form Jane Johnston Milne to Mr Burton [University Secretary]: Asks for five guineas as a grant from the Women Students' Loan Fund on behalf of Margaret Cole to pay for curative treatment for speech impairment which she has been advised to have and which she cannot afford. The Vice-President of the Guild of Undergraduates supports this, 30 June 1943
/34: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Mr Burton [University Secretary]: Margaret Cole, an ex-Wren, who has been promised a government grant of £180 per year, has not yet received it, and is having to spend most of her gratuity on maintenance. She now needs a small loan until she hears from the government. Asks for the loan of £5 from the Women Students' Loan Fund for a few weeks, 30 January 1946
/35: from J. S. Raymond, The High School, Kidderminster: Asks whether the accident which Mary Collins had that affected her eye sight will seriously affect her ability to work in the future. Gives her view that she does not think it should affect her capabilities as a school mistress, 2 December 1932
/36: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Miss Raymond [High School, Kidderminster]: She has spoken to the Medical Officer about Mary Collins and does not think her eye accident will mean she has to give up university work, 8 December 1932
/37: from M. Hammond, The Education Department (Women's Division), The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham: Asks for a copy of Dr Braid's report on Mary Collins following the accident which affected her eye sight, 10 January 1933
/38: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Miss Hammond: She thought she already knew about Mary Collins' sight problems. She is currently being treated by an eye specialist who recommends that she continue her university work. Dr Braid [University Medical Officer for women students] did not examine her for the purposes of the Board of Education. She thinks she gave her private advice to continue her university work as usual, 11 January 1933
/39: from L. C. Brew, King Edward's Grammar School for Girls, Rose Hill Road, Handsworth, Birmingham: Asks whether Milne can recommend anyone to teach mathematics part-time for a few weeks, for first and second years, 28 October 1935
/40: copy of letter on behalf of Jane Johnston Milne to Miss Brew, King Edward's Grammar School for Girls, Handsworth: Written by Milne's secretary to inform her that one of last year's students, Dorothy Cooper, from Smethwick, is looking for a post. She took her Teaching Diploma in June and is 'quite a good teacher. She has rather a strong Midland accent, but possibly this would not matter too much in the present case', 29 October 1935
/41: from M. Hammond, The Education Department (Women's Division), The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham: Asks Milne whether she considers Josephine Grace Cooper, in her third year studying for an English honours degree, suitable for teaching. She has applied to the Education Department and there is a vacancy. A pencilled note reads 'yes - an excellent person', 25 October 1939
/42: from Professor W. N. Haworth, Director of the Department of Chemistry, The University, Edgbaston, Birmingham: Introduces Margaret J. Cox, elected to be Vice-President of the Guild of Undergraduates. She has just qualified for the Pass Degree in Science with distinction in chemistry. She wants to take Honours Chemistry and is well qualified to do so. Gives details of her family's difficult circumstances and the illness of her father with cancer. Suggests that she would need £75 to enable her to continue with an honours degree, and he strongly supports her case for financial assistance, 28 June 1934
/43: from Margaret J. Cox, 431 Gillott Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham: Encloses a cheque for £5 for the fund from which she was given financial assistance. She hopes to be able to add to it, 27 June 1938
/44: from Margaret Cox, 431 Gillott Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham: She has heard that the post of organising secretary to the Somerset Youth Committee has been filled by Mr F. Hammond. She applied for the post of chemistry mistress at the Perse School for Girls, Cambridge, and has been appointed. She has given Milne's name as a reference and thanks her for her help now and in the past. Asks if she could meet her in Birmingham one evening. Encloses a cheque as repayment to the Loan Fund, 23 June 1940
/45: from Margaret Cole, Freeland, 74 Holders Hill Road, Hendon [London] to Janet Carpenter [Warden of University House]: Mentions that Anne [her daughter] failed in physics and biology in her June exam and has been told that if she fails in her re-take in September she will have to withdraw from Medical School. She has asked for advice and they are seeing 'crammers' in London. Asks whether she can continue living in University House and suggests that the University should have advised her to have private coaching, 16 July 1941
/46: from Margaret Cole, Freeland, 74 Holders Hill Road, Hendon [London] to Janet Carpenter [Warden of University House]: Refers to comments in Carpenter's previous letter and explains that she did not mean to suggest that the Oxford tutorial system should be applied to Birmingham but that someone shoud have general responsibility for student progress and suggesting when special coaching is needed. She is coming to Birmingham with Anne, staying with Mrs Sargant Florence at Highfield, Selly Park Road, while she finds somewhere for Anne to live in Birmingham. Hopes to be able to see Carpenter at University House, 24 July 1941
/47: from Janet Carpenter [Warden], University House, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham: She has suggested to Mrs Cole that she should write to Milne about her complaints that Birmingham does not have a system of tutorial supervision. Remarks 'she is an influential and very vocal person, so that I think it is rather dangerous to leave her with this grievance'. Gives her own view of the reasons Anne Cole might not have done well in her exams, 30 July 1941
/48: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Janet Carpenter: Thanks her for her letter about Anne Cole. She has read the letters from her mother (UB/STW/1/2/43-44), 1 October 1941
/49: from Margaret Cole, Freeland, 74 Holders Hill Road, Hendon [London] to Janet Carpenter [Warden of University House]: Confirms that Anne will arrive in Birmingham for the new term. She had made plans to go to the London School of Economics to take social sciences because she was convinced she had failed her examinations. She will now write a letter of complaint [to the Medical School], 28 September [1941]
/50: from Margaret Cole, Freeland, 74 Holders Hill Road, Hendon [London]: Explains her concerns about her daughter's medical studies and the actions of the University which she thinks were an influence on her failing physics and biology in her first year Medicine examinations. Gives her view that no one took personal interest in her work and summarises the reasons for her complaint, 7 October 1941
/51: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Margaret Cole: Explains the University and Faculty of Medicine policy on support for individual students. She has made enquiries with those who taught Margaret Cole's daughter and has been told that more than one of the teachers made efforts to help her. Asks whether she is sure that her daughter is suited to a medical career, 12 October 1941
/52: from Margaret Cole, Freeland, 74 Holders Hill Road, Hendon [London]: Assures Milne that her daughter has been very keen to study medicine for several years. Hopes she understood that her original letter was not written as a personal complaint, 21 October 1941
/53: from Barbara Crawford, 32 Northumberland Road, Leamington Spa: Her daughter wishes to study at Birmingham. She took her matriculation in July 1937 and is studying at the High School in Leamington for the Higher [School Certificate]. If she passes she hopes to get exemption from her first Medicine examination. Asks whether there is anything to be done to enter her as a medical student before the July examinations, 1 February 1939
/54: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Barbara Crawford: The Medical Office advises that it is not necessary to do anything before the July examinations but she is sending an application form for her to complete, as the Faculty of Medicine likes to receive applications in good time, 7 February 1939
/55: from Barbara Crawford, 32 Northumberland Road, Leamington Spa: She wrote previously about her daughter Evelyn who is applying for medical school. Asks if Milne could see her to advise her about classes and about the 'Hostel' [University House], 26 June 1939
/56: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Barbara Crawford: She will be pleased to meet her daughter but thinks this could take place at the start of term. Suggests that she gets in touch with the Dean of the Medical Faculty to discuss with him what course she would take. If she wants her to live at University House she should apply to the Warden, Miss Carpenter, as rooms as in demand, 3 July 1939
/57: Barbara Crawford, 32 Northumberland Road, Leamington Spa: Her daughter will come to see Milne at the start of term. She has written to Miss Carpenter who is unable to promise a room. Asks whether there are other hostels or student boarding houses available if there are no vacancies at University House, 16 July 1939
/58: from G. Dabbs, 115 Holyhead Road, Coventry: After Margaret's illness during the summer exams and a recurrence of the illness while she was abroad on holiday she has been sent to a consultant. She is being given treatment which should prevent further illness, 20 September 1946
/59: from N [Nancy] M [Macfarlane], Senior Woman Tutor, The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham to Professor Hawgood: Margaret Dabbs has been advised by a doctor to take a fortnight's rest and she has received a medical certificate. She is hoping to stay with her sister living in the country. She has been unwell for some time and her condition is not improved. She is also anxious about her work and is falling behind. Asks to see him to discuss whether anything can be done to help her, 11 November 1946
/60: from S. W. Mitchell, Head Mistress, Stoke Park Secondary School for Girls, Bray's Lane, Coventry: She has appointed Jean Daniel to the vacant post. Her mother has friends in Coventry and so she hopes she will find it easy to settle there. Thanks Milne for her reference, 27 May 1946
/61: from M. J. Easton, Headmaster, Kingswood Grammar School near Bristol: Marian Joyce Davis, a student at Birmingham from 1930 to 1933, has applied for the post of Physical Training Mistress. Asks for a more detailed reference than the one already provided, 8 June 1936
/62: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to M. J. Eaton, Kingswood Grammar School: She cannot add much more to what she has already said about Marian Joyce Davis. She has a quiet personality. She was advised to give up her University course for Physical Training and suggests that her training college would be able to provide more detail about her personality, 17 June 1936
/63: from Jacqueline David, 19a Richmond Hill Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham: Informs Milne that she has been called up. She had thought that censorship would be a reserved occupation but she has now had an interview and the Ministry of Labour have given her a month to find a reserved job and have advised her to return to teaching. She would like to stay in Birmingham to be near her mother and is going to apply for posts as a German mistress at 'Hagley Road High School' and as a French mistress at King Edward's. She has not taught for three years but has been working with both French and German for the last three years. She is also applying for a job at Abbots Bromley, Rugeley. Asks whether she can see Milne to discuss her options, 15 May 1942
/64: from James Day, 37 Gordon Crescent, Brierley Hill, Staffordshire: He has been advised by the headmistress of Dudley Girls High School to write to Milne about his daughter Margaret. Gives details of her academic qualifications and her previous applications to Birmingham. She wants to train to become a French teacher and asks about the possibility of her being accepted as a fee paying students for her first year with the prospect of getting a scholarship or Board of Education grant to cover the following two years, 8 September 1943
/65: from M. Hammond, The Education Department (Women's Division), The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham: Discusses the case of Margaret Day (see UB/STW/1/2/64) and explains her reasons for refusing to give her a place in the Education Department, related to her possible suitability for public speaking. Comments that in general students are not guaranteed places in the Education Department when they are in their second or third year of a degree course as there are many applicants who would like to have their places guaranteed in the Education Department for their second year and they do not want to give too many second years the grants allocated to first year applicants, 10 September 1943
/66: from Mary Ambrose, Dudley High School, Priory Road, Dudley: She thinks that Margaret Day should be encouraged in her desire to become a teacher. Gives further details about her personality and friendship groups at school and expresses her support for her as a candidate, 22 September 1943
/67: from Mary Ambrose, Dudley High School, Priory Road, Dudley: Thanks Milne for her kindness and help towards Margaret Day. She has written to Miss Hammond and hopes that Milne will meet Margaret herself, as she plans to study French, 1 October 1943
/68: from Margaret Day, 37 Gordon Crescent, Harts Hill, Brierley Hill, Staffordshire: Thanks Milne for her letter. Her father is prepared to take the risk of sending her to University as a fee paying student in the hope that she might later obtain a grant or loan to cover the rest of her course. Apologises for contacting Milne during the vacation but explains that she was anxious to continue studying French, 29 September 1943
/69: memorandum from M. Hammond: Encloses a copy of a letter she has written to Miss Ambrose [Dudley High School] about Margaret Day and suggests that she might accept her as a student in the Education Department. A condition of her transfer would be a teaching placement, 12 October 1943
/70: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Miss Ambrose, Dudley High School, Priory Road, Dudley: After reading Ambrose's letter about Margaret Day's probable suitability for teaching she agrees that she is an obvious case for taking a period of school practice before the Education Department makes a decision about whether to offer her a place, 12 October 1943
/71: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to H. Dent, Cambridge Training College, Cambridge: She is not sure how to advise a student, who will take her Honours degree in French in the summer, and asks for Dent's advise about her chances of training for teaching as a career. Explains that the student is 'the daughter of an ex-cabinet minister of Streseman's government, not Jewish, and expatriated with her family'. She cannot yet apply for naturalisation. She will get a good degree in French and has German as another language. Asks whether there might be funding for her if she applies for training at Cambridge and whether there would be difficulties about her salary before she is naturalised, 17 January 1938
/72: from H. Dent, Cambridge Training College, Cambridge: Suggests that the German student (see UB/STW/1/2/71) might be able to obtain a small bursary, but would still have to pay the remainder of the fees. She thinks she could get a good job, as she has known several similar cases. The salary might be more difficult as 'she would probably be remunerated on the same basis as other foreign teachers', 18 January 1938
/73: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to H. Dent, Cambridge Training College for Women, Cambridge: Thanks Dent for her advice about the German student who will send in her application for a place at the college, 21 January 1938
/74: from Ruth Dentish, The Royal Orphanage, Wolverhampton to Miss Hammond [Education Department]: Discusses her applications to the Education Department for the four year teacher training course. Asks whether she can start University as a fee paying student for 1944-1945 to study for the Inter [Intermediate] BA if that will not damage her change of being accepted in the Education Department in 1945. Asks for her advice, as her mother can only afford to pay for one year of training, after which she hopes to get a teaching grant, 26 January 1944
/75: from Ruth Denith, The Royal Orphanage School, Wolverhampton: Thanks Milne for her letter and confirms their meeting at Edmund Street, undated [1944]
/76: memorandum from M. Hammond, Education Department: Encloses a letter from Ruth Denith (see UB/STW/1/2/74). It is not possible to accept her into the Education Department until she is seventeen. Asks for Milne's views and for her to deal with the matter direct, 27 January 1944
/77: from Ruth Denith, The Royal Orphanage School, Wolverhampton: Her mother is willing to pay the first year fee for the Inter[mediate] BA. She would like to study geography, and she has heard from Miss Wagstaff that she has a better chance of getting a place in the Education Department in 1945 and is enclosing an application form, undated [1944]
/78: from Ruth Denith, 24 Frederick Road, Erdington, Birmingham: She has received her subsidiary and Latin results which she is sending to Milne. Gives details of the subsidiary subjects she took, and mentions that she has passed School Certificate Latin. Asks for further information about entering the University, 28 August 1944
/79: from N. Bunce, Clerk to the Trust, Charles Henry Foyle Trust, Dale Road, Bournbrook, Birmingham: Ruth Denith has applied for financial assistance towards the cost of her education. Asks Milne for a report of her work and progress at the University, 24 October 1945
/80: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to N. Bunce, Clerk to the Charles Henry Foyle Trust: Gives a report on Ruth Denith's work, and supports her application, 26 October 1945
/81: typed copy of statement by Ruth Denith to the Charles Henry Foyle Trust applying for financial assistance, October 1945
/82: from E. Waldron, Brierley Hill and Quarry Bank Technical and Art Schools, 68 High Street, Brierley Hill, Staffordshire: Miss W. M. Doyle of Balsall Heath has applied for the psot of Assistant Lecturer in Commercial and General Subjects at the Technical School, Brierley Hill, Asks Milne for a reference for her. Milne has written a note on Doyle's character and personality, 27 July 1942
/83: copy of letter from Raymond Priestley, Vice-Chancellor to C. G. Burton [University Secretary]: He has had discussions with Professor Hely Hutchinson about whether it would be possible to offer 'Downes' help from his Poor Students Fund. He has now been selected for a University scholarship but still needs £50 which he hopes to provide from the Poor Students Fund. Comments on Downes' character and suggests that he is given a credit of up to three shillings a day to spend at the Refectory and to receive the rest on application, to prevent him spending all his money on the purchase of music. He is to do fire watching twice a week. Mentions an attached letter from Betty Watts who he also thinks is worth helping. Suggests she is given a payment of £30 towards her bill at University House, 10 September 1943
/84: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to The Secretary, Civil Service Commission, 6 Burlington Gardens, London: Miss F. M. Buchanan has now left the University, and Milne has been asked to deal with a questionnaire about Beryl Dunn. She has completed some information but as she was at the University for such a short time she cannot say much about her, 10 December 1946
/85: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to The Principal, Cambridge Training College, Cambridge: Pauline Dunn, who has applied for a place at Cambridge Training College, did not realise that she needed a letter of reference. She has received a letter from the Head of the Women's Education Department at Birimingham requesting information. Explains that Pauline Dunn was not a student at the Education Department but Milne would be happy to answer questions about her from the Faculty of Arts, 10 December 1943
/86: from H. Dent, Cambridge Training College for Women (Post-Graduate), Cambridge: Explains the confusion about the request for a reference for Pauline Dunn. Mentions that they have had so many applications from the University of Birmingham this year that someone will have to visit to see the applicants, 11 December [1943]
/87: from Alex Eaton, 13 Hilton Avenue, Frizinghall, Bradford: He has not been able to find accommodation at the 'Beeches'. He is worried about his studies and mentions that his parents are expecting him to get a first class degree. Thanks Milne for offering to help him, 27 December 1943
/88: copy of letter form Jane Johnston Milne to Raymond Priestley [Vice Chancellor]: Asks for financial assistance for Alexander Eaton, a French student in his final year who has a Board of Education grant, but not for accommodation, and a Bradford Education Scholarship, and has also borrowed money from the Bradford Education Committee. Gives details about the financial situation of his family, and mentions that he is spending time doing paid work and finding it difficult to study in the 'impossible working conditions prevailing in the cheapest of lodgings'. Professor Ritchie also supports the application for financial assistance, 15 December 1943
/89: from Mary Evans, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham to Nancy Macfarlane: Encloses a list of estimated expenses and gives details of previous grants she has received, 12 February 1947
/90: copy of letter from Nancy Macfarlane to Mr Burton [University Secretary]: Asks whether he will agree to a loan of £10 being made to Mary Evans, a second year student in Physics who needs the money to pay a deposit on drawing instruments. She will be able to repay when the amount is refunded to her when she returns the instruments, 14 February 1947
/91: copy of letter from Secretary to Senior Woman Tutor to Mary Evans: Hopes she received the cheque for £10. Asks her to return the acknowledgement form to Miss Macfarlane, 10 March 1947
/92: signed acknowledgement form confirming loan from Women Students' Loan Fund to Mary Evans which will be repaid on the return of a deposit on drawing instruments, March-May 1947
/93: receipt signed by C. G. Burton, University Secretary, for repayment of loan of £10 by Mary Evans, 8 May 1947
/94: from Mary Evans, Winterbourne, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham to Miss Macfarlane: Informs her that she has repaid the loan. She has had her students contribution of £15 cancelled by the Ministry, and Leicester Education Committee has made her a further grant which will enable her to continue her studies for the rest of the year. Thanks Macfarlane for her help, 7 May 1947
/95: copy of letter from N. A. Macfarlane, Senior Woman Tutor, The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham to C. G. Burton, University Secretary: Sends Burton a cheque for £10 which has been repaid by Mary Evans. Asks whether it is possible now to balance the accounts of the Women Students' Loan Fund, as it is difficult to answer student questions without knowing how much money the fund holds, 6 May 1947
/96: from A. D. Munrow, Departmet of Physical Education, The University, Edgbaston, Birmingham, to N. A. Macfarlane, Senior Woman Tutor, Education Department, The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham: Reminds her that she wrote to Mr Grant [University Registrar] asking for an exemption for Miss M. Elson. He is willing to exempt her from physical education work and encloses her doctor's certificate, 11 November 1946
/97: from Dr John Hale Power, 137 Binley Road, Coventry: note exempting Miss M. Elson from 'games involving excessive physical effort', 15 October 1946
/98: from B. A. Emery, 79 Wyngate Drive, Leicester: She is in the Education Department and has just completed her first year in the Honours Mathematics course. Her name was not on the examination results pass list and she is not sure what course she can take next year. She was advised to see Professor Watson but was not able to do so before the end of term. Asks for Milne's help as she has some forms from Leicester Education Committee that she needs to complete. Notes for Milne's reply have been written on the letter, 11 July 1946
/99: from Dorothy England, Godwin Girls' College, Palm Bay, Cliftonville, Margate, Kent: Mentions that the previous term in her job teaching French and English was disrupted by the flu epidemics, and refers to the Mediterranean cruise she took for her health. The school she is teaching at had three days' holiday for the coronation [of George VI] but a number of boarders stayed at the school. Comments on the lack of discipline at the school and the poor food. She has considered running a school of her own and has been discussing this with a colleague. They think they can find the necessary capital and wonder whether the Birmingham area would be a good location. Asks for Milne's advice, 27 May 1937
/100: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Dorothy England: Gives her views about the problems associated with running private schools and advises her to talk to the local authorities of the area she has chosen, as it will be important to have their co-operation and good will as well as to know that they will have a certain number of pupils. Suggests that the safest way is to take a financial interest in a school in which she is already teaching, but that she could also have a confidential talk with 'a good scholastic agency'. Remarks that 'the grant-aided schools are in a position to put so many attractive features into school life which the private schools are unable to provide'. She should not take a decision until she knows the cost, 22 June 1937
/101: from Frances Braid, 47 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham to N. A. Macfarlane: Asks for a report on Mary Evans, 16 November 1946
/102: copy of letter from N. A. Macfarlane to Dr Braid: Discusses the health of Mary Evans and her recent x-ray, 18 November 1946
/103: from Florence Evans, The Old Meadows, Hugglescote, Leicester: She is applying for headships, with Miss Brew's approval, and asks Milne whether she can provide a general testimonial. She has been in Coalville since the previous November, in charge of the King Edwards' Grammar School group, having spent a term at Erdington and a term at Handsworth. Hopes that Milne's flat is 'blitz-free'. Her house is still undamaged, but she wonders what she will find each time she goes back to Handsworth, 9 June 1941
/104: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Miss O. Evans: Advises her of the regulations concerning lodgings for students in the Faculty of Medicine and that she is not complying with them. Encloses a copy of the approved list of lodgings from which she must choose a residence and move no later than 9 March, 29 February 1940
/105: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne, Senior Woman Tutor, The University, Edmund Street, Birmingham to undentified recipient: Notes his wish for his house to be included on the lodgings list. She has passed his letter to the Secretary of the Lodgings Committee who will consider the application in the summer. Refers to his comments about the students already lodging in his house, who have infringed University regulations in living in lodgings not on the approved list and going there without permission from the lodgings committee. Remarks that as a Police Inspector he will be able to see that this situation is serious and that the students cannot remain in his house until it has been approved by the committee, 4 March 1940
/106: from M. S. McGladdery and O [Olive]. D. Evans, 42 Gough Road, Birmingham: Apologises for living in unapproved lodgings. They did not know until they received the letter that the regulations were so strict. Asks whether they can stay in their lodgings until the end of term to avoid paying a retaining fee for new accommodation. Asks whether there is any possibility they might be able to stay in their current lodgings, 6 March [1940]
/107: from L. Evans, 48 Osborne Road, Forest Gate, [London]: She was distressed to hear from her daughter that she has to change her lodgings. She did not know she was breaking University regulations and her landlady is a personal friend, so she knows how well she is being looked after. Explains that since her husband died she has a reduced income, and the landlady, Mrs Lane, is charging her daughter a lower fee. Asks whether Milne can approve Mrs Lane's lodgings, partly to avoid additional expense, and partly because the lodgings are comfortable and a good space for studying, 7 March 1940
/108: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Mrs Evans [mother of Olive Evans]: Explains the regulations for students in lodgings and mentions that this is the second time O. Evans has infringed them by choosing a lodging not on the approved list and going to live there without permission. States that if Mrs Lane wants her name to be put on the list of approved lodgings she will need to write to the University Secretary but that a decision about this cannot be given before the summer. Explains that University Council has made the regulations so that 'a certain amount of friendly supervision may be given to young students away from home' and hopes her daughter will take advantage of this instead of choosing a house where the University has no control. Both landladies have complained about her behaviour, and the University would like to 'help her to more orderly methods of living', especially as she is a medical student, 11 March 1940
/109: from L. Evans, 48 Osborne Road, Forest Gate [London]: Asks when she needs her address in Birmingham to be submitted to the University. She would like to have her house on the approved list so that she can provide accommodation for students as well as her daughter Olive. She has worked with young people as a minister's wife, and would still like to be of service to young people. Hopes to meet Milne in Birmingham, 24 April [1940]
/110: copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Mrs Evans: Gives instructions for her to submit her address in Birmingham to the University for consideration by the Lodgings Committee. Suggests that it might not be easy for her to get student lodgers, as the current number of students might not be maintained, and there is already a list of suitable houses to meed the need for accommodation, 30 April 1940
/111: from Elizabeth Looker, Principal Warden, Edinburgh Association for the Provision of Hostels for Women Students, Carlyle Hostel, East Suffolk Road, Edinburgh: Olwen Evans has applied for a post as Warden and asks Milne for a testimonial for her. Gives details of Wardens duties and asks whether she would work well with Scottish students, and whether she is a good enough candidate that the Board should see her in any case, 20 October 1945
/112: incomplete copy of letter from Jane Johnston Milne to Elizabeth Looker: provides testimonial for Olwen Evans, undated [October 1945] |