Elizabeth was born in 1909, an era that placed tremendous values on Family life and commitment. Her Brothers fought in both wars and she recorded these details in her diaries, which reflected her concern for them, and the relief she felt on their return.

She  moved from Abertillery, with her Sister Isabel, in 1953, taking up an appointment as Head Teacher in the local infants school. Her work, not that she regarded it as such, enabled her to fulfill her ambition. To bring about a radical change, regarding the way in which children were taught, which her fellow colleagues did not support as it was considered a break from the traditional chalk and talk.

She removed the child from the regimented classroom - took them outside to explore the wonders of nature and to take part in the first physical training activities ever experienced in the history of education in South Wales - developing both their creative and physical skills, in a way never previously exploited. Play areas and clay modelling were introduced to allow the children's creativity to be expanded to levels of expression never before tapped. Children enjoyed going to school. Her philosophy was that 'if you create a happy environment all else will follow'.

Her pioneering methods made a tremendous contribution and impact on the way in which children learn. 'Playing shops', with the prototype model made from hardboard, hand painted by some supportive child's Father from material acquired form some source! were used within the class room. The process was based on exchanging plastic tokens for items, such as tea, sweets, bacon and all other items found at local shops, offering money and in return receiving the correct change.

Considered by many as playing, this was mathematics, as we know it now! These, and several other 'games' all designed on the kitchen table were made into working examples.  Once seen these prototypes were copied, by the HMI of Schools and eventually used in all schools throughout England and Wales. Perhaps you remember playing with such items?

But now it was enjoyable.

For her work Elizabeth received the OBE in 1969. This was seen by many as her reward for her early work. However the best reward that she achieved was seeing children leaving primary education achieving a level of education that would assist them in future years.

Elizabeth received her greatest pleasure when she was in the company of children. Nephews, Nieces, children of friends and past pupils, all were welcome, all were fed by Isabel and then given a book to read. The opportunity to awaken a child's eagerness to learn was never missed

Even though Elizabeth never had children she was continually surrounded by them and the contribution she made will never be forgotten - They were her life and her passion.

Shelley’s Adonais

I have so many fond memories of both Isabel and Elizabeth,  as a child who lived with them from the age of 5.  

An era has ended. 7/3/1909 - 14/12/2000