In Memory

Tribute to Miss J M Webb MBE

On August 20th BHS Old Girls’ Association lost its long serving Vice President when Miss Webb died. Mary Webb passed away peacefully at home in Bromsgrove 19 days after her 92nd birthday. Until just a few years ago she regularly attended our Annual Dinner - she retained her independence right up to the end.

Following a childhood spent in various places in the West Country and Wales (where she was evacuated) after school she went to Aberystwyth University to study French. She then went on to Cambridge to train as a teacher and her first teaching post was at a school in Birmingham. After 2 years in Birmingham, in order to learn a further language, she went to Italy followed by time spent in France, before returning to the UK. In 1958 she started as a French teacher at Nottingham Forest Field’s Grammar School – later becoming Senior Mistress. In 1968 she was appointed Head Mistress of Boston High School and as we know she remained for 27 years until she retired in 1995.

Following her appointment as Head Mary set about changing the culture at BHS. She believed there were no limits to the aspirations of any child and she worked tirelessly for the benefit of our pupils. Always encouraging girls to set high standards, build on their strengths, aspire and achieve. 

She devoted so much of her life to the pupils encouraging them to extend their horizons. She expected girls to work hard at their academic subjects and she was passionate about foreign visits and exchanges. She also valued and encouraged extra-curricular activities in Art, Music, Drama, Sport and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

She was greatly respected locally and highly regarded in Lincolnshire and thoroughly deserved the MBE she was awarded in 1993 for her commitment to education and her dedication to the School. On retirement she moved to live in Bromsgrove and fulfilled a long held ambition to have a home in France - she restored and renovated a dilapidated house and entertained many of us there over the years.

Thousands of students of BHS owe her a great debt and she was always delighted to hear from former pupils – to hear how they were getting on. She never seemed to forget anyone.

Mr Fulbrook, current members of staff, former members of staff and former pupils attended Mary’s memorial service on September 15th in Worcestershire.

Donations in memory of Miss Webb are being made to the Boston Woods Trust – BHS OGA will be making a donation but if anyone here this evening would like to contribute as an individual a box is provided for that purpose.

May I ask you to stand please for a moments silence in memory of Miss Webb.

Mrs B Clay

Chair BHS Old Girls’ Association