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Obituary: Julie Fantom Julie Margaret Fantom 1 September, 1959 – 29 February, 2012 Julie Fantom worked for the National Union of Teachers, the General Teaching Council and in Education HR for Stoke-on-Trent local authority before joining the NAHT in October, 2007. Julie was employed as a Regional Officer in the West Midlands. She helped, supported and represented members tirelessly, often through the most difficult of times, always demonstrating sympathy and understanding alongside a no-nonsense approach to challenging issues. She had a great sense of justice and fair play. Julie carried out her professional role superbly, while simultaneously coping with the cancer that took her life so prematurely. She demonstrated incredible bravery, stoicism and above all Julie maintained a mischievous sense of humour while continuing to work in an emotionally draining job, often while undergoing difficult treatment and dealing with its effects. Julie was greatly respected and admired by NAHT members, particularly in the West Midlands,
by her fellow NAHT Regional Officers and other work colleagues, by officials from other trade unions and by her employers. It was apparent from an early stage in her career that Julie was someone special and her tenacious and lively spirit impacted greatly on all those she met. Julie died on 29 February at the age of 52. She had continued to work as long as she could – she loved her
job and was proud to work for the NAHT. She acted as mentor and guide to a number of her Regional Officer colleagues. As well as driving and photography, she greatly enjoyed walking, especially locally and in the Lake District. Towards the end of her life, she fulfilled her ambition of seeing the full glory of the Northern Lights from the comfort of a cruise ship. Her colleagues will recall, however, that any nautical prowess and inclination she might have entertained were slightly less evident when the onset of inclement weather once caused her, quite recently, to head expeditiously for dry land... from the end of Southend Pier! Julie lived with her partner, Rob, in the tranquil village of Seisdon, South Staffordshire. Her funeral took place in a packed All Saints Church in neighbouring Trysull, on 21 March. On what was, most aptly, a brilliantly clear, warm and sunny day, Julie was buried in the churchyard as winter gave way to spring. Her passing leaves emptier the lives of many, none more so than those of her family, those who were lucky enough to count her as a friend and, in particular, Rob.
AWARDS
Enter the Education Resources Awards 2013 If you’re an education professional with outstanding leadership skills that deserve recognition, the Education Resources Awards (ERAs) 2013 are awaiting your nomination. The awards, which are made in two categories, recognise Leadership in Education and the Educational Establishment of the Year. The former category is open to members of the teaching profession and educational professionals, while the latter award is made to the educational establishment 12
that best demonstrates its effectiveness and the provision of real value to the community it serves. The ERAs focus on the people, resources and services that make an impact on learning and the day-to-day work of teachers in the classroom. The awards are free to enter and are judged by an independent panel of education experts. For a chance to be one of the winners, please download an entry form from the ERA website at www.educationresourcesawards.co.uk
LEADERSHIP FOCUS ● SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010
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