Mrs May Armitage, mother
figure to many boarders at The Moat, a language teacher on
the staff 1966-72 and widow of Edward Armitage, died on 9th
September 2008 aged 94. In recent years she had attend some
of our reunion dinners. Her funeral takes place on 24
September 2008, at St Mary's Ely - see the What's New
page for more information.
The Times, Friday
12 September 2008:
This page records the memories
received from Soham Grammarians and will in due course record
obituaries and tributes. Our condolences go to her family
which includes two Grammarians, Rod SG '55' and Robin SG57;
their brother Richard did not attend SGS.
from the 1970 School photo |
from the 1972 School photo |
11 Sep: Paul Stevens 66: Sad news indeed
... Like many, I remember her French and German lessons well
and her wonderfully infectious enthusiasm for her subjects ..
12 Sep: Frank Haslam '59': I do not
recall having any contact with her when at school (60-66),
though she would have been at events and productions. It was
only as I returned to the Grammarians in 2002 that I met her
at Dinners, arranging the tree, visiting her at number 11 and
of course our phone calls. Edward, she said, would be so
pleased that the school - its people - were being remembered.
It was a privilege to have come to know her, even in a small
way.
12 Sep: David Parr 68: I went to see May
a few months after her husband died. She was so glad to see
me - didn't remember me, of course, but we had tea and
biscuits and talked for over three hours. God bless her.
12 Sep: Ron Russell, staff 1971-72: We
were very fond of her and got to know both her and Ted very
well. She was a huge support to him in the difficult days of
reorganisation - and was always a fount of good common-sense!
12 Sep: Geoff Rouse 56: I was sorry to
learn of the passing of Mrs Armitage. She will be remembered
by most Soham Grammarians as an excellent headmaster's wife -
a cheerful foil to a more serious husband. She lived to a
good age so one must assume that the responsibility of
looking after the boarders at the Moat, plus three boys of
her own, did not wear her down!
12 Sep: Graham Whiting 70: During 1971
and 1972 I had the fantastic opportunity to board at Soham
Grammar School. During that time Mrs Armitage (I never knew
her as May) provided care and support to a group of teenage
school boys who were not always the easiest people in the
world to care for. Now over 35 years on I still remember
those times with happiness and affection. Mrs Armitage was my
'mother' during the week in the boarding house. I will miss
her
13 Sep: Martin Knott 71: Mrs Armitage
taught me German (and French?) in the last year of the
Grammar School. I remember her as a kind and thoughtful
teacher.
16 Sep: Chris Wain, Mathematics 1966-70:
May was a colleague for those four very happy years, my first
post as a teacher. May was a key figure in the Family that
was Soham Grammar School. I have so often thought
about/spoken of my time as part of this inspiring family,
including May. My abiding memory of her is of her vitality,
constantly breezing into the staffroom and engaging in
friendly lively chat; her passion too for Soham Grammar
School; and her undying support, as well as love, for her
husband Ted in his role as Headmaster.
I have always felt grateful, even privileged, to have started
my career in such an environment, where the qualities of care
and sound, purposeful education abounded, in a friendly
atmosphere. It was a very special environment, of which I
personally have so many happy memories. So many people played
large parts, but the driving force was Edward Armitage, as
Headmaster.
It has often been said that 'behind every great man is a
supportive woman'; I think that was the case within that
lovely building and those beautiful grounds of Soham Grammar
School. Their influence and the love for them will live on. I
will be at St Mary's Church on 24 September.
links
Dedication of Edward Armitage
memorial tree 2004
If you can add to this page please contact the editor
page last updated 2 Oct 2008
Soham
Grammarians