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| 1 Nov 2021 | |
| Written by Jane Caiger-Smith | |
| From the Archives |
Facing south, behind the office of the Head of Mathematics, is a small plaque in memory of Elizabeth Mary, 'Betts', Palmer, past pupil, past member of staff, past Downe House School Governor and generous benefactor to the school.
Elizabeth joined the school when it was in Kent and described her education here, after some years of being under the tutelage of a governess at home, as exhilarating. She joined the staff during WWII. The family home was Priors Court and when that was taken over by the Army, she and her mother moved to Fencewood House on Slanting Hill. Elizabeth was a member of the Palmer family, of Huntley & Palmers, the biscuit makers based in Reading.
Her memorial stone reflects her nature, gentle and understated but very much a part of our school.
Before the pool was constructed here in Cold Ash, the girls were taken swimming either to the public baths in Newbury, as in the photo, or to Chamberhouse Farm in Thatcham. More...
