Miss Mary Hill 1918-1986

Miss Mary Hill who died in Stratford Hospital on Dec. 27th, lived in Chipping Campden for most of her life. She was of yeoman stock, born at Wooten Bassett, Wiltshire in 1918. Quite early in her life the family moved to Uley in the south Cotswolds, where her father farmed until his untimely death.

From her early days at Dursley Grammar School, which sle loved, she finished her education at teachers’ training college in London. From London she came straight to the then Chipping Campden Grammar School. That was in 1938, & she spent the whole of her working life there until her retirement in 1978.

At first she was employed in the boarding school, but was soon engaged in mainstream teaching. Generations of Campdonians look back with affection on Mary, who inspired them with her enthusiasm & warm, lively personality.

She became deeply involved in the life of the town. For twenty-five years she was secretary of the parochial church council; she was a leading member of the Dramatic Society & an eloquent member of the Debating Society of which she was president at one time.

She took a keen interest in local history particularly the early years of the Grammar School, & supplied articles on the subject to the Campden Bulletin almost up to the time of her death. Campden Historical Society hopes to publish these in booklet form as a tribute to her.

Though she had no close relatives surviving, Miss Hill had legions of friends, as was seen at her funeral service, when people from all walks of life from the area came to pay their last respects. The Rev. Peter White conducted the service & Alan Jones, retired head master of Chipping Campden School gave the address. He spoke of Campden’s great good fortune in Miss Hill’s finding Campden as the love of her life.