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March 2022 March 2022
OBITUARIES NEWS FROM BERE REGIS

loved to feed visitors, and wouldn’t feel it was a proper visit unless PRIMARY AND PRE-SCHOOL
she had managed to feed them at the very least a cup of tea and Southbrook, Bere Regis, BH20 7DB 01929 471334
a piece of cake, but better still would be the opportunity to make a full meal,
or a cream tea. She was amazing at cooking even when she could scarcely
see.
Two years on, looking forward.
Joan looked after her parents throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90’s, whilst
working part-time. She also used to look after her grandchildren in the school For the majority of my time as head of Bere Regis school,
holidays when their parents were working. At the same time Joan dealt with we have been dealing with the changes to education that
admin for Geoffrey’s clock restoration business. Taking items he had made to Covid 19 has brought. School closures, home learning,
the post office, admin and accounting. isolation and bubbling have been the order of the day.
Cancelled trips, no singing and P.E outside, whatever the weather. It hasn’t been
Joan’ s greatest joy was spending time with her family at home, their homes easy for anyone, not least the children, who have been incredibly resilient.
and on the beach at Studland or later Branksome Dene Chine. Sadly this was
more difficult these last 2 years with lockdown restrictions. We even took her The start of 2022 has brought renewed energy and optimism; as we move further
to the beach, Wrapped up in several blankets she was pushed in her wheel into the spring and restrictions are slowly being lifted, we are looking forward to
chair along the prom and she declared that the fresh air had done her good. returning to something near normal. Already this year, we have forged ahead
with residential visits, trips to museums and plenty of welly walks. These curriculum
Only 2 days before she went into hospital we had a little lunch party at Sara’s, enhancements are the elements that create the awe and wonder moments that
which she enjoyed. children remember long into adulthood.
She was very pleased to have been able to lay the ashes of her beloved At the end of January, Kimmeridge Class embarked on a three day residential to
Geoffrey to rest in Bere Regis churchyard in December. She was so glad that Leeson House in Swanage; accompanied by four members of school staff. They
so many long standing friends joined the family on that occasion, as we were enjoyed a plethora of activities including orienteering, map work, river studies
very restricted in what we were allowed at the time of his death. and the famous night walk. The residential element of the trip was all the more
special and valuable on this occasion; many of the children had not stayed
Joan bore her increasing physical ailments with patience the continued away from home before, due to lockdown restrictions curbing the usual
reduction of her eye sight was very hard to bear. She managed with an iPad sleepover opportunities, they would previously have already experienced.
that magnified as much as possible, but for someone who loved reading,
puzzles and crosswords it was a sad affliction. In February, we had a visit from the
Her faith was extremely important to her, and until her eyes deteriorated, she Explorer dome, with the whole school
having the chance to visit. The
read her bible reading fellowship notes every day.
Joan’s main concern was always her family – Geoffrey, her children,
grandchildren and great-grandchild. She loved to hear everyone’s news,
and her favourite times were family get-togethers, when
she could make sure that we were all well-fed and
comfortable. Even in the last few weeks, as we visited
her in the hospital and the care home, she would invite
us to help ourselves to biscuits, or make ourselves a cup
of tea.
Joan said “We lived in Bere Regis for 51 years and made
amazing friends and thoroughly enjoyed living there”

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