It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Former Brambletye Staff Member, Mrs Patricia Murdoch on Friday 12th May.  Mrs Murdoch taught at Brambletye for 19 years from September 1981 until July 2000 and was a great loved member of staff, staying in contact with many old friends from her time at the school. Sadly due to mobility issues she had not been able to visit the school as much as she had hoped but her former colleagues and friends remember her very fondly.

Mr Holden writes, ‘I remember Patricia as an outstanding teacher whose standards of discipline were extremely high. She was a Scottish war horse, who earned respect from her students and staff alike. She had a wicked sense of humour, always laughing in the staff room, guiding and helping young teachers to be their best. We all respected her for her leadership qualities which helped us all to understand the importance of having fun in a disciplined manner.’

Mr Lush writes, ‘Patricia was a kind and generous former member of staff. She and Judith Dunstan worked superbly together in the Junior School and the children in their care were immensely happy and incredibly well taught. Patricia's professionalism in the classroom was second to none and her common sense and practical approach to teaching was appreciated by both the pupils and members of staff alike. Such was her wisdom and teaching experience that members of staff would often seek her advice and counsel. Out of the classroom, Patricia’s Scottish lilt and laughter and her mischievous sense of humour was hugely enjoyed in the glorious Staff Sitting Room next to the Theatre. Patricia was a wonderful friend and colleague to so many here at Brambletye and her kind but no nonsense approach to teaching was admired and appreciated by countless Brambletye pupils and members of staff.’

Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences are with Mrs Murdoch’s family and friends.

We invite Old Brambletyeans to share their own memories of Mrs Murdoch in the comments section.