A FORMER headmistress and drama teacher has died, aged 96.
Nan Woodwark, of The Ghyll, Richmond, was born in Hurworth, near Darlington, but took her teaching qualification in speech and drama in 1941 at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She passed with honours and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in Britain. During the Second World War, she became a leading figure within Darlington amateur dramatics and later founded the Nan Woodwark Players, who entertained theatregoers during the Fifties.
She taught drama in many schools in the area. In 1955, she moved to Richmond to teach at the Frenchgate School, where she later became headmistress. She stayed in Richmond after her retirement when the school closed.
Miss Woodwarks's family described her as an exceptional drama teacher who touched the lives of numerous children in the area throughout the Forties and Fifties.
A funeral service was held at St Mary's Parish Church, in Richmond, on Tuesday, followed by interment at West Cemetery, Darlington.
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