CHRISTINE Holland, headteacher of a Wokingham girls’ school in the 1970s and 80s, died this month and is fondly remembered by colleagues, ex-pupils, and friends.
In 1969 she was appointed headteacher at The Holt County Girls’ Grammar School, where her vision and experience enabled her to manage the school’s shift to comprehensive education.
Her friend Beryl Ogden said: “During her 20 years at The Holt she led the transition from a very good girls’ grammar school to a very good comprehensive school – progress which has continued under successive heads.
“She was one of the first heads in Berkshire to enthusiastically take responsibility for all The Holt’s finances, which allowed for much greater flexibility and independence, and was a huge benefit to the school.
“Her first concerns were her pupils and staff, but she also took a great interest in the buildings and the grounds.
“What she did not know about The Holt Building, previously the home of the Heelas family, was not worth knowing, and a frequent sight at school was the headmistress in her wellington boots standing at the edge of a hole discussing solutions to problems with the caretaker or visiting tradesmen.”
Christine was well known for scrupulous fairness and objectivity, and there were frequent examples of her unobtrusively providing help to individual pupils and staff.
Christine’s friend and colleague Linda Carroll also remembers her warmly.
She said: “I first met her in 1981 when she interviewed me for a teaching post.
“I will always have her to thank for appointing me and starting my long association with The Holt.
“She was a very hands-on headteacher, de-icing the car parks and shovelling snow in the winter and when working with her on the PTA we once found ourselves side by side, sleeves rolled up, scrubbing pans in the school kitchen.
“Her kind and caring nature made her easy to respect and to work for and with.
“She was equally supportive of staff and students, always trying hard to give our lives a work life balance.”
After Christine left The Holt in 1989 she remained in Wokingham and immersed herself in the life of the town.
For years she was an advisor at Citizens Advice, joined the Community Health Committee, and was an active member of the local Historical Society.
She received The Mayors Award for services to Wokingham.
“As chair of The Holt Association I was able to keep in touch with her after she retired,” continued Linda.
“She was very supportive of the association, and regularly attended the lunches, continuing to take an interest in past students, staff and everything Holt.
“I feel very fortunate to have worked with such a kind and considerate lady.”
For the last two years of her life Christine Holland lived at Alexandra Grange, where she died peacefully in her sleep on November 7.
She is remembered with affection by The Holt School, her family, friends, neighbours, ex-colleagues and pupils.
For information, visit: holtschool.co.uk
