Thornbury Grammar School

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Miss Eileen Walker

Miss Eileen Walker TGS / Marlwood 1950 - 1981 died peacefully at Thornbury Hospital on Saturday 15th September, 2007.

In her retirement, Eileen had been very active as a Leader in the Guide Movement, as a member of Alveston Singers, of her local Church - St. Mary the Virgin in Thornbury, and a driving force (!) on behalf of the St. Peter's Hospice fund-raising in the Thornbury / Severnside area.

At the TGS Reunion in 2006, it was interesting to see that a lengthy queue had formed of people who wanted to greet Eileen and I am sure, pay homage to her for the impact on their lives that she had.

In preparation for the 2006 TGS / Marlwood Staff Reunion, which was cancelled (!), in response to a request for post-Marlwood details, she wrote her retirement C.V. which is attached herewith, verbatim!

It is interesting that in her account, she uses the expressions "service" and "care", two words which epitomised her attitude to everything she did, be it family, or work or leisure activities.

She will be greatly missed.

Regarding the Memorial Service, if there is anyone who would like to record their thoughts, memories of Eileen, of her impact on their lives, please send to David Goldring and I will forward them to be used in composing a Eulogy.

During the preparations for the "Marlwood 400" 2006 year of celebrations, past staff were asked to send in a pen-picture of their career. Only Eileen responded. Sadly, the event was cancelled by Marlwood.

Here is the copy that Eileen sent, dated 30.11.05

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

My dates of service were from 1950 – 1981.

I loved my job, and should not have retired when I did, but my mother needed care, so that had to be my priority. With help from good friends who did "sitting" for me, I was able to continue with running Brownies and Guides until I reached the compulsory retirement age of 65 – which I found heart-breaking, having been in the Movement since the age of 12. My caring for my mother had come to an end by this time, and as I was still very fit I helped other Guide Leaders with camps etc. for some years, and chaired a fund-raising committee for the Thornbury District Guides for some time.

Then in 1987 I was asked to take on the "House to House" collection in Thornbury for the St. Peter’s Hospice. By January 1988 I found myself being Secretary of the Severnside Support Group for the Hospice. In June 1991 I took over as Chairman and later that year as Treasurer when Miss Leila Beale (also ex TGS / Marlwood – Head of History) kindly took over as Secretary.

I continued as Chairman until 2003 – a job which I thoroughly enjoyed, having a keen and co-operative committee – but thought it was perhaps time I gave someone else a chance, so I resigned the Chair, but have continued as Treasurer ( and I am very pleased to say that we have raised many thousands of pounds for the Hospice over the years.) As a Committee member I still do various other jobs, e.g. arranging rotas for collections, so this does not leave a lot of time for other activities. However, I fulfil various duties at my Church (St Mary the Virgin, Thornbury) and am a member of Alveston Singers.

Fortunately, I like to be busy and fill in any spare time I have by making jam from the fruit in my acre of garden to sell for St.Peter’s.