2008 Homerton Roll News 17 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LEWIS, Pam (Walker), 1951-53. She writes: ‘During my annual trip to visit my son in Hong Kong we spent some time in Phuket, Thailand. - such a beautiful island, that suffered so much from the tsunami. Apart from advice notices there was very little evidence of the terrible destruction they suffered. Amazingly, trees and plants were flourishing and the local people were so happy and friendly it was hard to believe that the tragedies had happened. I was saddened to hear of the death of Joan Sims, who I knew as Mrs Coulson. She had a flat on 2nd D&E when I was in college, and was also my lecturer in Education, so I came in contact with her quite a lot. She could be quite strict at times, especially if we made a noise at night, but as she often held “parties” in her flat and they were sometimes noisy she treated us very kindly. I also have fond memories of Tom Sims, her husband.’ LITTLEFAIR, Alison Barbara (Ratcliffe), 195355. Now retired from her post as a Consultant on Language in Education. Played cricket for England in South Africa, 1960-61, and is a life member of the Women’s Cricket Association. LOFTUS, Wendy Jane (Mason), 1954-56. Now retired from teaching. LUCAS, Diana (Barber), 1959-61. Retired from teaching in 1992. She writes: ‘In September 2007 I was licensed by the Ely Diocese to minister as a Pastoral Assistant with the ministry in the Warboys group of churches. Also this past year, I have joined the National Conference Committee of the Royal British Legion (women’s Section) and the committee of the Homerton Roll. We are about to be grandparents for the 7th time. MACKENZIE, Sheila (Hopkins), 1954-56. Still teaching the piano (at home) and has been governor of the village primary school for 12 years. Now has 5 grandchildren, but only one in the UK – two in Rome and two in Northern Nigeria. She still plays the oboe and tennis and is involved in many church activities. PALMER, Audrey (Legg), 1955-57. Married in August ’57, with 2 children (Anne, b.1962; John b.1965), and now has 3 grandchildren. Taught until 1991. Husband died in March 2002. Licensed as a Reader in the Church of England, in 1993, and installed as Lay Canon (Honorary) of Bristol Cathedral in 2006. Very active in Parish and Diocesan church life, and enjoying it very much.
PARRY, Shirley Mae (Skelton), 1950-52. Now retired after years of infant teaching in Leeds, and has two children – Judith, who did a secretarial course in Cambridge and P.A. work in London and now lives in Essex; and Ian , an economics adviser and Fellow at the Energy & Resources for the Future in Washington. RAINE, Barbara (Emsley), 1953-55. Enjoying Adult Education courses locally (winter and spring sessions) with many interesting themes – gardens, costume, local old halls and houses. RANKIN, Angela (Willett), 1950-53. Now retired from teaching, but keeps in touch with Homerton friends. SAMPSON, Jean (Pugsley ), 1952-54. Continues to enjoy retirement. She and her husband celebrated their Golden Wedding with a cruise to the Land of the Midnight Sun. SMITH, Janet Elizabeth (Figures), 1956-58. She writes: ‘As a violinist I led the college orchestra whilst a student, and 50 years later I am still enjoying orchestral playing, now on the viola, with the Bolton Symphony Orchestra. The standard of this orchestra is very high, attracting international soloists to perform with us—a thrilling experience every time. Keeps Alzheimer’s at bay!’ SPRIGGS, Avril ( Lipsyc), 1955-57. Retired from teaching but still active as Deputy President British Gymnastics. She writes: ‘With my lifelong interest in gymnastics I spent 20 years as a top international judge. This enabled me to travel the world, and I judged at 4 Olympic Games and 12 World Championships, as well as many European and Commonwealth events. I had two sets of twins (2 boys then 2 girls) and currently have 7 grandchildren. STANDEVEN, Joanna Carolyn (Temple), 1958-60. Now in ‘very active’ retirement; she writes: ‘Unfortunately I have lost my deaf brother, but keep in touch with deaf friends. My husband and I are actively involved as Conservation Volunteers with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Anglian Water volunteers. We have a large, ‘wildlife friendly’ garden. I have kept my sculpture going, inspired by Betty Rea, and have also taken up willow weaving. STRANKS, Margaret (Hyams), 1951-53. Now retired from teaching. Mother of four, Margaret moved to Great Shelford, with her husband