Joy died earlier this year following a stroke and a long and often very
painful struggle with rheumatoid arthritis. Several generations of OCs will
remember her with great affection for her many different contributions to their
lives.The Skinners arrived at Clayesmore in 1961 having recently finished a most enjoyable few years teaching in Singapore. John and Joy took over The Middles from Humphrey Moore in 1964 and for two years they coped with 80 or so boys at their most awkward ages. They then took charge of the new Gate House when The Middles were divided. Joy was always an enthusiast when exploring new roles. Being an imaginative student of human nature she played a key part on the pastoral side of running the House.
What may be forgotten more easily is Joy’s contribution as a teacher. In 1966 she took over from Peter Burke the teaching of Economics at ‘A’ level. Because of her conscientious commitment and enthusiasm she achieved success and it led in 1971 to her decision to become formally qualified as a teacher. She had a degree already and therefore only needed a teacher training qualification, which she gained with a Distinction. Joy then taught for some years at Croft House, Shillingstone, but returned to Clayesmore in 1977.
Not unusually for Clayesmore staff, Joy had to turn her hand to English and History as well as Commerce. Yet with her usual commitment, Joy’s results at ‘O’ level were outstanding. In Commerce in at least one year the number of A grades awarded equalled the total number of A’s awarded in all other subjects at ‘O’ level put together – and Commerce was not a subject often chosen by the academically gifted.
Joy was of course much more than just an effective teacher and Housemaster’s wife. Anyone who suffered misfortune, however great, could be sure of comfort and kindness from Joy. She was also a gifted artist and anyone lucky enough to see how beautiful she made the inside of The Old Bakery could appreciate that side of her artistic talents. As a mother and grandmother she will be greatly missed but our most heartfelt sympathy must go to John to whom she was married for over 60 years.
Jim Tilden (Hon OC)