Lady Barn House School played such an important part in Elsie's life for well over 30 years. During this time, she was Head of Infants and Early Years, as well as having her own class and teaching hundreds of children during her long teaching career. Elsie touched so many people's hearts with her love of teaching and her boundless generosity; she will be greatly missed by so many. 

Our thoughts are with her family John, Martin & Emma at this sad time.  

Niki Jennings, Head of Early Years

Personal Tributes

Elsie had a wonderful sense of humour and was always smiling; she adored the children and would do anything for school. She used to make a huge chilli to take to Infant camp every year and always knitted little Christmas stockings for every single EYFS child every year, without fail! She also knitted matching jumpers for my boys when they were born, which I have kept to this day!

She was supportive and caring to staff and children and dedicated her teaching career to LBHS, still coming in to help with the LAMDA exams even after she had retired. She came to our Family Fun Day with her daughter, Emma, and came to the Carol Service every year with all her ex-colleagues. They all still met up regularly for walks and lunch. She knew the names of every child and they all had a special place in her heart - no matter how demanding they may have been in the classroom - she had the patience of a saint! She will be missed by so many of us.

Emma Beer, Deputy Head

Elsie was my friend and colleague for some 40 years. She had a kind and giving nature, whose loyalty knew no bounds. During her time at Lady Barn and when she retired, she helped me at the weekend LAMDA speech examinations, always bringing cream cakes for the examiners!

Her prowess as a knitter was well known. When I told her in 2009 that I was going to become a grandma, she began providing my grandson with an array of beautiful clothes, bobble hats, jackets, and a cricket sweater, together with her trademark Christmas knitted toys.

We last met up in July for our usual coffee and cake at John Lewis and planned to meet again in September. Sadly, it was not to be. I shall really miss her.

Hilary Thomas, Speech Teacher

I have very fond memories of Elsie and she was Zach's first nursery teacher when he started at Lady Barn. When Zach was fortunate enough to get a starring role in the Year 2 production, he was cast as a Roman soldier and had a very funny song to sing about an itchy vest. Elsie being a dab hand with the knitting needles set to work making costumes and knitted the vest he wore for the play. Elsie then continued to support Zach even after leaving Lady Barn, when she took a trip all the way to London to see him appearing as Michael in Billy Elliot the Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Zach and I have very fond memories of Elsie. She was a lovely, kind caring, fun lady to be around and she will always have a special place in our hearts.

Paula and Zach Atkinson, Teacher & Former Pupil

Elsie taught both of my boys and was a lively teacher that they both loved and remember so fondly. Since retiring she loved her cruising and enjoyed many fabulous holidays. She helped us with the LAMDA exam days for many years and also ran the Infant Camps back in the day, making chilli for all the staff, I believe. She was a crazy knitter and knitted two little cardigans for my granddaughter this year that we shall keep forever! She was one of a kind and I'll miss her.

Julie Brookes-Ward, Head of Drama