Ann SWINBANK

As a 53 year old man, I can count myself as fortunate to have been taught by Ann back in the 1970s when she joined St Thomas’s RC School in Wolsingham. After my father passed away during the night, I went to school the next day and Ann knew exactly the right thing to say. I couldn’t tell my friends that my Dad had died but she let me know that she knew. She put a comforting arm around me and she made a very frightened little boy feel safe. Ten weeks later when my mother died she was there for me and along with Sister Mary Di Pazzi, she provided care and support for my little brother Roger and I. Ann then took us on a brilliant school trip to Edinburgh which we all enjoyed. Ann was a patient, kind and considerate teacher, someone who was there for me. Ann directed us in our school play Alice In Wonderland and with reams of crepe paper, scissors and glue, she had us create the most imaginative theatrical sets. She was inspiring and compassionate, a teacher who saw us all as individuals and knew instinctively how to bring out the best in us.. You made a difference Miss Swinbank. I count myself lucky to have had you as a teacher and I was proud to write about the impact you made on me in my book. Thank you Miss, rest in peace and I will never forget you. X