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Old Tauntonian Review APRIL 2011 Old Tauntonian Office details: Tel: (01823) 703158 Fax: (01823) 703704 Email: [email protected] Website: http://taunton.web-intouch.com RUTH GRAY HODGSON TIME FOR A GROWN-UP Headmistress Weirfield School (1973-85) 17 September 1925-14 February 2011 CONVERSATION ABOUT Ruth died after a long illness on St Valentine’s Day, a fitting testimony to, and a yearly reminder of, her love, SECONDARY EDUCATION shown in so many practical and unfussy ways. Her loving was not ostentatious, The free schools revolution does not go far They can also expand quickly and effectively to but it was deeply felt by its recipients. enough. Much as it is to be applauded to give demand. The doors are therefore open now. more decision-making powers to schools rather Families on the other hand will need to make The year of her birth was also significant. She was born, than faceless state institutions, the freedom something of a contribution. And here is the rub. so she would state, in the same year as the Queen and enjoyed by individual sets of parents is limited. Families with such united aims for their children Mrs Thatcher – both of whom she admired. Ruth was Free schools will take many years to establish will stay together, working towards a common born in 1925: one of two girls born to her parents in themselves. Parents will see little benefit for and worthy goal. So empowered, parents will Co Durham. The family moved south to Watford when their own children. The experiment may have work harder for their children and children will worked in Sweden over the past 20 years, gain from the broad, demanding, aspirational Ruth was aged 7. but it is unproven in the very different cultural provision that they will encounter in their school She was soon to develop her interest in history and went on and social setting of the UK. of choice. The quality of parenting in our society to become what she was: a teacher. She was a teacher We need to find a model more in keeping at large (another cherished aim of this through and through. She also decided to be a Christian. with our culture and with a longer lasting run administration) will improve dramatically as Both these aspects of her life she fulfilled with flying colours. of success. parents see their hard earned cash going into Independent schools have proved themselves something long lasting. After twenty years’ Her teaching career encompassed both State and to be the best in the world. In poll after poll experience, I have to say that the quality of Independent schools. It began in the north of England, and parents have expressed an aspiration to send parenting among independent school parents continued in Surrey, Birmingham and finally in Taunton. their children to such schools if they could only is exemplary. Wherever she went she commanded respect and affection. afford to do so. I do not doubt that the devil is in the Everyone was in no doubt that though she ran a tight ship Independent schools are charities with detail. But there is a principle at stake here. she cared deeply for every parent and every child. an instinct for helping out needy parents. We now agree that education should be paid for. They demand high standards and glory in Universities charge fees and nurseries are funded She was finally appointed as Headmistress of Weirfield adding educational value – intellectual, by vouchers. What right does the government School in 1973. On her arrival she appreciated the warmth cultural, sporting, and social – to their pupils. have only to allow parents’ taxes to fund places at of the Old Weirfieldians and of the Roberts family. Part of Non-selective and therefore more accessible a limited number of ‘free’ schools? It seems to be her responsibility was to work with Norman Roberts, independent schools are the real engine room a constant assumption by the state that it knows Headmaster of Taunton School, to ensure the happiness and of the independent sector. Schools like my own best. In education, it does not and never has. the smooth transition of her senior girls to Taunton School. simply ask what value can we add to the In fact the meddling in education we have seen This proved to be a job well done, as can be seen today, and lives of children. If we can benefit them, over the past 50 years explains our fast decline of which Ruth was rightly proud. so the better. into world education’s Division 2. Add to that the dearest wish of the Mrs Thatcher liberated people to buy their Over the years she has often given a helping hand to both Government not to be embarrassed by the next own council houses. Mr Cameron has a similar pupils and parents. She was a perfectionist. She liked things lot of PISA tables and you have a formula for opportunity to give freedom to the country on a done properly. In all that she did her meticulous attention to success grounded in our own country. matter which is even closer to our hearts – the detail was evident. Many will remember the enjoyable The missing ingredient is the ultimate act of education of our children. Weirfield Carol Services and the well-organised Speech Days. giving parents freedom: education vouchers. It was only on her last Speech Day that she fulfilled her Affordable independent education is sprouting up Dr John H. Newton M.A. (Oxon), ambition of handing out the prizes herself. She always all over the country. Independent schools have F.Coll.P., Dip.M.S.(Ed.) expected and got the same high standard from both staff developed funding of their own to support Headmaster, Taunton School and pupils. families that cannot quite make the fees, but have properly accountable, sensitive systems for This article was recently published on: Apart from being a teacher Ruth was a Samaritan for assessing need and providing for it. www.telegraph.co.uk many years. This kindness was also extended to various individuals, one of whom was Beatrice. This lady of genteel background had fallen on hard times; she walked the streets and lived in abject poverty in a bare and cold flat. ECHOES FROM THE PAST Ruth helped her constantly in practical and unsung ways. On Ruth’s retirement in 1985 she became more fully involved in the life of St Mary’s, Taunton – where she had once preached when Desmond Morey was Vicar. She also helped with the Book Stall and the Coffee Shop. Among her many interests was being a member of the Soroptimists. She helped in the Brewhouse. She was also a Founder Member of the University of the 3rd Age in Taunton; this movement flourished and brought companionship to many. Helping people less fortunate than herself was her top priority, and her many acts of kindness will long The Tepid Swimming Bath in 1911. Turn to the penultimate page be remembered. to see how things have changed for today’s pupils, exactly 100 years later. A shortened version of the funeral address given by Rev Dennis Cavaghan http://taunton.web-intouch.com UPDATES We are very happy to recount these boards in Weirfield (of course). having also won with Fernando he was seven he had been remarkable success stories. All OTs Through one of the Mums in her Alonso at Renault. The factory is operated on five times by are warmly and cordially invited to year, a very talented lady called based at Milton Keynes and amazing surgeons. After years keep David Bridges posted with Andrea Coleman, Debbie Rob said: “I would be happy to host of physiotherapy he is now their news. exhibited her art and photos some interested TS students for a able to walk and run normally. during Somerset Arts Week visit some time.” Ben said: “My grandfather, Michael Button 2010. www.debsnuttall.com David Pine, who passed away in (Wills East 1956) Charles Walker 2008, helped run a Phab night in [email protected] Alexandra Bath née Lowe (Marshall 1986) Plymouth for many years. Michael is a (Bevan 1979) Charlie is General Manager of My sister Melissa (Foxcombe ’95) and Governor of [email protected] the 5-Star Isle de France Hotel I would go along with him, and meet Taunton School in St Barthelemy, French West some of the wonderful people who and has recently Indies. The hotel has won would come together for a rare chance become a numerous awards in recent to socialise, and enjoy time spent Freeman of years under his stewardship, in a fun environment. This marathon the City of including Conde Nast Traveller is quite special for me: not only London and a ‘Best Hotel in the Americas and is it a chance to prove to myself that Liveryman of the Worshipful the Caribbean’ and 4th Best I am a capable of running an Company of Paviors. He is seen Hotel in the World, and Tatler endurance event despite my own here receiving the copy of his Magazine Top 100 Hotels of the physical limitations, it is also a chance Freedom from the Chamberlain. Year, 2009. to give something back to a wonderful organisation in the name of my Professor Michael Goodchild Matthew Adam grandfather. I am very lucky – (School House 1962) (Marshall 1986) others are not so.” [email protected] [email protected] www.justgiving.com/yafizicist Michael, the After leaving TS Alex studied Matt is 1st Officer on the unchallenged Valuation & Estate Management. 15500GT construction support Ruth Clarke née Woods global leader She worked as a Chartered Vessel ‘MCSV Finnmarken’, (Bevan 1998) of Geographic Surveyor for various property- and is currently deployed [email protected] Information related companies, including off the north coast of Western Science (GIS), The Dartington Hall Trust, Alder Australia on the 43 billion is Director of King and Crest Nicholson plc.