Obituary: Former Eye Grammar and Eye Primary School teacher Miss Anne Fewkes

A well-known and respected teacher in the Eye area for many years, Miss Anne Valerie Fewkes has died at the aged of 86.

A thanksgiving service was held at Mansfield Baptist Church on January 7, led by the Rev Andy Wilson.

Born in 1928 in Nottingham, Miss Fewkes was the second born child of Mary and Cyril Fewkes.

Shortly before war was declared, Miss Fewkes and her twin cousins Jean and Sylvia attended the Moravian Boarding School in Ockbrook, near Derby, spending many nights in the cellars which were used as air raid shelters.

After leaving school, Miss Fewkes gained a history degree at the University of Nottingham followed by her teaching diploma. Her first teaching post was Eye Grammar School where as well as teaching history she became a PE teacher.

When the Grammar School closed down in 1965 Anne moved to the Diss Grammar School for three years before returning to Eye Primary School as deputy head.

In 1970 Miss Fewkes moved back to the family home in Nottingham after her mother’s death to be with her father.

She continued her teaching until 1983 when she worked part time as an external lecturer until her retirement at 60.

She kept active by visiting old people’s homes, helping with luncheon clubs and giving talks and showing films to various groups and societies.

During her time in Eye, she started a Girl Guide company and this continued when she returned to Nottingham becoming district commissioner for the Woodthorpe Area and then county advisor for the Young Leaders.

Her many hobbies and interests included both local and family history, reading, gardening and travelling. One of her special interests was the lace industry of Nottingham with its Calais connection.

Her father, grandfather and great grandfather were all lace manufacturers in the city.

Miss Fewkes’ faith had been an important part of her life. While in Eye she was a Deacon and church secretary.

Donations are going to the Stroke Association.