OLD CROYDONIANS DEATHS

We have been notified of the following deaths and extend our sympathy to the family and
friends concerned.

Lucy (Maisie) Craig died in October 2007 aged 92. On leaving school she trained as a nurse, initially at the Norfolk and Norwich hospital where her brother was a junior doctor and latterly at the Middlesex Hospital. She specialised in radiotherapy becoming head of the department at an early stage. She stayed head of the department for the rest of her career becoming widely known in the radiotherapy world both at home and abroad. She was president of the Society of Radiologists for 1957-58 and in 1972 was awarded the OBE for services to nursing.

Mary Cutler (Lark) 1935 died in April 2007

Christine Griffiths (Hartley) died in March 2007

Eileen Harris (Thompson) died in April 2007 aged 92. Her son writes “She spoke warmly of her schooldays, of her many friends from those years now mostly deceased also. She reminisced in particular of having played hockey for the school. She went into teaching and worked in Germany (immediately post war) and then had headships in schools in the Bromley
area. In her retirement she dealt in antiques and travelled extensively.”

Phyllis Nunn (Hunt) died in August 2007

Ann Osborn (Rowley) 1966 writes, “I will always remember Phyllis as Miss Hunt. She was my class music teacher, my A level music teacher and also helped me to improve my singing. I had wanted to be a singer from as early as I can remember, and without Miss Hunt this would almost certainly not have happened. When I was in the first year of the sixth form I was selected to sing the part of Dido in the school performance of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, and still remember the excitement of learning and performing such a challenging and emotionally charged part. Miss Hunt was the musical director and conducted the performances, as well as arranging soloists, orchestra and choir. She gave me extra time for singing and arranged for me to go and sing to Veronica Mansfield who subsequently became my singing professor at the Royal College of Music. I then became a member of the BBC singers and have continued my music ever since in one way or another.
I remember Miss Hunt as a first class musician, an inspirational teacher and a truly dedicated musician - with a fine natural musical talent but also the attention to detail and administration that is so much a part of learning an instrument, teaching and managing groups of musicians. I was always a little afraid of her, which perhaps was not bad thing! Not so very long ago Miss Hunt asked me if I would sing Dido's lament at her funeral and I was most honoured, when the time came, that I was able to do this. Miss Hunt helped to shape my life and I will always remember, and be grateful for that.”

Judith Wilsher (Proudfoot 1960, Staff 1970-2001) writes, “Throughout my days as a pupil at Croydon High, I really enjoyed Miss Hunt's piano playing as we came in and out of Assembly. The first piece was always something quiet and reflective, but after assembly we were hastened out of the hall with a rousing march or a country dance. Imagine my pleasure when I arrived years later as a member of staff to find that Miss Hunt was still there and ‘In an English Country Garden’ was still the top favourite! I came to appreciate her dry sense of humour and I also remember the wonderful recital that she and Peggy Guillou gave in aid of the Sports Hall Appeal. There is also a faint memory of Phyllis dressed as a chicken in a staff
play.”

Jane Pryor a former member of the Mathematics Department for many years until her retirement in 1990, died last June, just a year after moving with her husband to Taunton. “Jane was an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher who inspired and gave confidence to her pupils. She was an efficient head of Year 10/11 in which role she helped set up the work
experience programme. Many old girls will remember fondly her firm but fair manner and her sensitive and common sense approach to their problems. As a colleague she was helpful and supportive and above all, great fun to work with. Jane enjoyed all aspects of school life, from counting money on Guild Day to supporting netball, attending concerts and taking part in staff plays. Who will ever forget her performance as a Poppy in the Wizard of Oz? After retiring from CHS, Jane continued to give private tuition and to teach in several other local schools when they urgently need Mathematics staff. She once said that she could not bear to think of anyone not being taught Mathematics! Jane kept in touch with many former colleagues and pupils and we shall miss her greatly. Our sympathies go to Brian and to the rest of her family.”

Diana Stainbank, Anne Jeanes and Judith Wilsher

Olga Rowe MBE died in June 2007

Gladys Wilson (Clifton) 1932 died in the summer of 2007