Pupil's tribute to teacher Marjorie
THE death of an inspirational teacher has been described as ‘the end of an era’ in a touching tribute paid by a former pupil.
Alice Rodgers penned a poignant tribute to Marjorie Darby after learning that her friend had died on Saturday, January 21, at Mount Pleasant Rest Home, in Winshill.
Miss Darby taught at Burton Girls’ High School from the end of the Second World War until her retirement in the early 1970s.
Mrs Rodgers, who lived in Burton for the first 18 years of her life before moving to South Yorkshire, felt compelled to honour her friend with a personal tribute.
She said: “Marjorie Darby’s death at the age of 98 feels like the end of an era.
“Educated at Burton Girls’ High School and Homerton College, in Cambridge, Marjorie taught in Aix-en-Provence and at Anglesey Secondary School until, having acquired her BA, she returned to the high school.
“There her subject was French, her lessons were thoroughly prepared and her blackboards exquisitely written.
“In 1951, I got to know Marjorie when she taught my sister but, between 1958 and 1965, it was my unique good fortune to be in her class every year.
“I was a far from perfect student but she put up with me, encouraged me and ensured that my O-level grade was presentable. At A-level she opened my mind to the delights of French Literature and earned my lasting gratitude.
“Keeping in touch with her former students, both through the Old Girls’ Association and by less formal means, was one of Marjorie’s particular strengths.
“A letter, in her inimitable hand, was a joy to receive and a walk with her in pursuit of Wordsworth or Charlotte Bronte was an unforgettable experience.
“Marjorie was far more than just a teacher. She had detailed knowledge of music, was a good pianist and possessed a sweet and tuneful singing voice “She was widely read, a pillar of Burton Natural History and Archaeological Society and a lover of mountain and country walks.
“In retirement, she attended classes at Burton Art School to learn water colour technique and she became a skilled and prolific artist.
“Marjorie lives on in her art and in the memory of her former students.”
A funeral service will be held from 12.15pm on Wednesday, February 8, in the Anglesey Chapel at Bretby Crematorium.
