Remembering former Melksham teacher

FORMER George Ward School teacher, Anne Aust, who began teaching at the school when it was named Shurnhold School, has recently died.

Anne died peacefully in her sleep at Mavern House on 17th June, following a protracted illness.  She was 82 years old.

Anne was a teacher for many years at Shurnhold, then George Ward School, starting in the 1950s, and eventually retiring in the 1990s.

Her early years saw her teach a wide range of subjects including art, history and English among others. She was described as a leading light in the staff room and a Shurnhold legend.

After George Ward Comprehensive School replaced Shurnhold School,  Anne was persuaded to become an English specialist.

Former colleague Peter King said, “She became an excellent A-level English tutor with a particular love and knowledge of poetry and a remarkable range and speed of reading. She, George Mills and I car shared for years between Corsham and Melksham, enjoying social chat, gossip and academic debates – as teachers do in their spare time!”

She also loved drama, accompanying many groups of students to a range of theatres.

In addition Anne led a busy life in Corsham, especially after retirement. She was a town councillor, chaired the town’s twinning with Jargeau, was a member of the Civic Society, a governor of St Patrick’s Primary School, and an Almshouse trustee. She ran a calligraphy group and had a heavy involvement in the gardeners’ club, where her extensive knowledge  of plants was evident.

Peter King added, “It is a great regret that illness cut short her impressive involvement in so many aspects of the community that became poorer through her absence.”