Mary initially came to Downe before the Second World War to work in the school gardens, applying her energies during the War years to the provision of food during those times of rationing and shortages. Following the War she joined the Bursary and by all reports ran the accounts with a rod of iron. Mary was also an expert on bicycles and her approval was necessary before a bike could be considered roadworthy. It was a common site to see her speeding down the driveway on one bike whilst leading another on a ‘leading rein’ to put it through its paces! 

Elizabeth Kay (formerly Owen) remembers her first years here as a young language teacher and being reprimanded by Mary on account that her fashionable high heels were making holes in the wooden floor of the classroom! Cecilia Lunn, also a former staff member remembers her as a kind person with a wonderful sense of humour.  

This is evident in a memory of Mary from her days in the Newbury String Players. She played the Double Bass – and incidentally, was a long-standing member of the school orchestra, returning to play even after retirement. Gwynneth Reed, a former member of the orchestra recalls: “Mary Young who played the double bass was always cheerful and ready for a laugh. We were rehearsing in a very cold church, one afternoon, and on turning round to speak to Mary I noticed that she had put her cold feet into her sheepskin gloves and had them perched on the instrument! Needless to say our row of ‘cellists had a hard job to keep their expressions suitably serious for the next few bars.”  

Mary also served for many years on the DHSA and gave the committee huge support in the yearly proof-reading and posting of the Magazine and Newsletter. Her knowledge of past pupils and staff was encyclopaedic, and her memory sharp for detail so she was always most helpful to the DHSA with any queries regarding the school careers of former pupils.  

Mary Young retired in 1977 after over forty years’ service at Downe. We are very glad to take this opportunity to remember her contribution to the school.