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Sheila Clayton MTGS 1945 – 1952 In Memoriam

Sheila was born in Scarborough with extended family living near her. Her father, who had been in the Merchant Navy, gained employment with a firm who became part of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company. The family moved to Crosby, and Sheila became a pupil at Merchant Taylors’ School in 1945. The School had a massive impact on her life, not just for her education, but in forming lifelong friendships. She has always been particularly close to the Leigh family (Joyce Ewbank).

Academically she excelled; she also loved singing in the school choir, and was keen on sports – especially cricket. MTGS with its wonderful ethos meant much to Sheila, and her schooldays were always remembered with pleasure, gratitude and affection. Whilst at school, her heart remained in Yorkshire, and each summer she returned to Scarborough.

In 1952 she went to Gypsy Hill College. After training, she taught for a short time in Liverpool, but then relocated to London. She had met Pat at college, and whilst living together in Streatham, they worked in a variety of schools in the area. Sheila’s qualities as a natural leader soon became apparent, and she eventually became headteacher of a large school in Brixton which had huge social issues. She dealt with them confidently and with great skill.

After many years of working in London, Sheila and Pat decided to relocate to Yorkshire in 1974. Pat became headteacher of a school in Bridlington and Sheila headteacher of the Flamborough School. Their journeys to school were a vast contrast to those in London. They bought the beautiful St Mary’s Cottage, which was in need of much renovation. Sheila lived there for the rest of her life.

Very sadly, in 1979 Pat died unexpectedly. This was a difficult time, but Sheila was supported by new friends in Ebberston. Some years later Sheila was forced to take early retirement on health grounds. She then began (on a small scale) to breed cattle, at first Friesians and then Limousins. This became a big part of her life for many years. Fortunately, she sold her last cows before the devastating foot and mouth epidemic in 2001.

There were so many aspects to Sheila’s life. She was devoted to St Mary’s Church, where she served for many years as Churchwarden. Recently, she was responsible for liaising with surveyors and craftsmen when developments and renovations took place at the church. The result is a fitting memorial to her vision and devotion. She served as lay chair for the deanery and was a member of the diocesan synod for many years. Her involvement with the local Conservative party included more committee work, electioneering and fundraising with friends. She loved theatre and music (Opera North and Ryedale Festival), lectures and tours with NADFAS, RSPB, John Lewis, gardening and growing many fruits and vegetables. The Archers and Any Questions were among her favourite radio programmes, listened to probably with a glass of malt whiskey in her hand.

Her mother lived in her own home near Scarborough until she was 99 years old. She died only shortly before her 100th birthday. One or two years later Sheila’s brother Stuart died from cancer. It was with great sadness that she realised she had no living relatives.

Sheila was always fully committed to all she did. She could be forthright and independent but was also passionate, thoughtful, very caring and generous. Her faith was resolute and trusting – she bravely faced the devastating news of her cancer. Her demeanour was a shining Christian example to us all. Sheila was hugely loyal to all her friends who have been privileged to have known and loved her. We are left with so many happy memories.

Barbara Guest (Shoesmith)

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Our pupils have said it all! 🗓️ Saturday 11t Our pupils have said it all!

🗓️ Saturday 11th October 
🕘 9.30am - 12.30pm

OPEN DAY! 

We’re looking forward to welcoming families to visit our school.

We’d love to see you there, register via the link in our bio 🔗
Headmaster Mr Phil Dearden warmly invites you to o Headmaster Mr Phil Dearden warmly invites you to our Open Morning on Saturday 11 October, 9.30am-12.30pm.

Come and explore our school, meet our pupils and staff, and discover what makes Merchant Taylors’ such a special place to learn and grow.

Register now via the link in our bio 🔗

@merchantsheadmaster
The Pearl of Africa Children’s Choir will be per The Pearl of Africa Children’s Choir will be performing at Merchant Taylors’ on Tuesday 7 October, 7pm–9pm, as part of their North West Tour.

This free concert promises an uplifting evening of music and song, with donations on the night supporting the Molly and Paul Child Care Foundation in Uganda.

📅 Tuesday 7 October
🕖 7pm-9pm
📍 Merchant Taylors’ Senior School
🎟️ Free entry (donations welcome)

Click the link in our bio to book a place 🔗
A huge thank you to our Prep School pupils, famili A huge thank you to our Prep School pupils, families and staff for joining us at our @macmillancancer Coffee Afternoon, earlier this week ☕💚

With your amazing support (and some very tasty cakes 🍰), we’ve raised over £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Every bake, donation and smile on the day helped make this such a special event - all for a cause that means so much 👏
Year 4 marked National Poetry Day with a special r Year 4 marked National Poetry Day with a special reading in the library, where they shared a wide variety of their favourite poems. It was inspiring to see the different choices and hear each one brought to life in their own way 📚
Plenty to smile about this National Poetry Day 😬

Year 3 shared their own poems on the theme of ‘Smile’ 🙌
✨ “Prep is a happy and caring school where eve ✨ “Prep is a happy and caring school where every child is cared for, known, valued, and supported. We believe that the early years of education are crucial for building strong foundations, not just academically, but socially and emotionally. Our pupils are encouraged to explore their independence, express their creativity, and develop the resilience to take on new challenges.” ✨

- Miss Elizabeth Lynan, Headmistress

Discover more at our Prep School Open Morning on Saturday 11 October, 9.30am-12.30pm! 

Click the link in bio to book your place! 🔗
✨ Discover Merchant Taylors’ Prep ✨ Join us ✨ Discover Merchant Taylors’ Prep ✨

Join us for our Prep School Open Morning on Saturday 11 October, 9:30am-12:30pm. 🌟

From Reception through to Year 6, our pupils thrive in a happy, nurturing environment where curiosity, confidence and creativity are encouraged every single day.

📍 Merchant Taylors’ Prep School, Stanfield Site, 134 Liverpool Road, Crosby, L23 5TH.

Come and explore our classrooms, meet our dedicated staff and see first-hand the difference a Merchant Taylors’ education can make.

Book your place via the link in our bio 🔗
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