WARM tributes have been paid to dance school owner, Anne Barrett, who died on 20th January after many years of battling ill health.
Anne was the owner and principal of Melksham School of Ballet, Tap & Modern for nearly 30 years, after taking ownership in 1990. She bought the school after working there, teaching for many years, and her daughter Jayne then ran the dance school alongside her from 1994 onwards. Together, they have taught hundreds of pupils at the Canberra building in Spa Road and more recently, Church Lane premises.
Anne always had a passion for dancing. It started when she took lessons at a dance school in Bath, giving her the opportunity to perform in pantomimes at Bath’s Theatre Royal and also leading on to perform at the Royal Albert Hall.
The passion for dancing has been passed through the generations with Jayne and also Anne’s two granddaughters Emily and Katherine. Katherine has now gone on to achieve a professional dancing job on-board cruise ships.
Despite Anne’s deteriorating health, she did not cease to use dance as a way of helping people. Following her kidney transplant and other medical treatments, Anne took to fundraising money to give back to the people who had supported her during her tough times.
Fundraising was achieved through her dance school performing shows, with all profits going to charity. Anne has been able to donate to Clic Sargent, The Richard Bright Renal Centre at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, kidney cancer charities and various air ambulances.
Jayne Green, Anne’s daughter said, “I’m going to miss her. We ran the school together so will miss the daily chats we had. We had such a good rapport together and made such a good team. She has been poorly for a long time, not being able to come to the school for the last six months.
“It will be tough for my girls, Emily and Katherine as they saw her as more than a grandmother. They have been excellent support for me during this hard time, especially Emily who is currently studying for her PhD. Mum would be very proud of them both.”
Katherine Green, Anne’s granddaughter posted a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother on Facebook saying, “The day that I’ve been dreading finally came today. My beautiful grandmother finally gave out after 18 years of health problems. I’ve lost not only my grandmother but a parent figure, my best friend and my soulmate. My favourite person in the world since being the age of 4.”
Anne was a very popular and well-loved character and the tributes have poured in. Jennifer Allen wrote, “Such wonderful memories of this amazing lady. She’s been a huge part of my life and it’s been a privilege knowing her. May she RIP free from pain and suffering. Thoughts and prayers with all of you at this difficult time xx”
Christie Beaven wrote, “I still don’t know what to say except she will be sorely missed by many, all of whom I bet have nothing but thanks and admiration for what she taught them all. Rest in peace Mrs Barrett. A remarkable, genuinely lovely lady xx with love to you all at this sad time. Christie, Scarlett & Isla xx”
The funeral will be held at 12 noon on Thursday 8th February at St Michael’s Church in Melksham.
The family would like to invite anybody who knew Anne, family, friends, parents, pupils past and present to the church. There will be a private family service afterwards at Melksham Cemetery.
Flowers may be sent to the funeral director, or any donations in memory of Anne are for The Richard Bright Renal Centre at Southmead Hospital, or LINK c/o DJ Bewley Funeral Directors, 15 Bank Street, Melksham. SN12 6LE Tel. 01225 702521.