SCHOOL NEWS // OBITUARIES
OBITUARIES
We regret to announce the passing of the following staff and we extend our sympathy to their families and friends .
WENDY GILMOUR
POCKLINGTON PREP SCHOOL MATRON SEPTEMBER 2004 – SEPTEMBER 2021
Wendy , referred to as Lady Gilmour , M ’ Lady or Lady G , by her colleagues in school , was a wonderful , funny , kind and caring individual , of both staff and pupils .
Always calm , she would happily be a listening ear to both pupils and colleagues , offering sound advice and support whenever it was needed . She cared for everyone , always bringing a smile to every situation . As well as treating pupils for any injuries they may sustain , administering medicines and looking after them when they were unwell , she was always there to offer comfort , wipe away tears and cheer them up .
Wendy added a touch of glamour , whether it was timing the cross country , or creating puppets , props and art projects , she would always be immaculate both before and after ( the same could not be said for most of her colleagues , who could often be seen mud , glue and paint splattered !). As Matron , she got involved in all aspects school life ; dressing up for World Book Day as Pocahontas , Hermione ( reflecting her love for Harry Potter ) and many other characters , but she will also always be remembered for her flamboyant bouffant hairstyle , knee high boots and trendy tights ( along with her perfected pout !). She certainly added her own sparkle to the Christmas classroom judging proceedings !
Wendy was a well- respected colleague and friend . The number of cards , thank you notes and pictures she received from children and parents ( every single one kept and treasured ) is testament to her caring nature , commitment to her
role and kindness to all . She loved her job and all the children in her care .
Wendy is missed so very much . Those of us who worked with her and the children who received her care , are very lucky to have had her in our lives .
DARRELL BUTTERY MBE DL
FORMER STAFF 01-06 , FORMER GOVERNOR 06-20 , LIFE PATRON
Darrell was born in Guisborough in 1941 and spent his childhood years in York before his family moved elsewhere .
Returning to the city in 1968 , Darrell became a leading member of the York community . He was an English teacher at Nunthorpe Grammar School for Boys until its closure in 1985 . He then taught at Queen Mary ’ s Thirsk until his retirement , and latterly at Pocklington School . He was a past Chairman and President of the York Civic Trust , longserving chairman of York Georgian Society and an active member of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society . Darrell joined the Company of Merchant Adventurers in 1981 and was Governor in 2002 / 3 . He was also Curator of Paintings for the Company , remaining active throughout his final illness . His published work included The Vanished Buildings of York ( 1984 ) and Pictures of York Minster from the 17th Century to the Present ( 2007 ). He was appointed MBE for his services to heritage in the city in 2018 and was a deputy lieutenant of North Yorkshire . He was also a noted diarist : his diaries from 1974 to 2018 are archived in the Borthwick Institute .
Darrell joined Pocklington School in Michaelmas 2001 shortly after his retirement from teaching to provide teaching cover in the English Department for the last ten days of term . He immediately fell in love with the School and everything about it so , when the opportunity arose to extend his temporary appointment , ten days happily turned into nearly five years !
In true Pocklington fashion , his teaching encouraged students to look further than the curriculum and to stretch their independent thinking . He revived
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