Tributes paid to former Wirral headteacher

Jun 17 2009 by Kevin Core, Birkenhead News

TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved headteacher who has died of cardiac disease.

West Kirby’s Olga Chesham, 80, was head at Arrowe Hill Infants school from 1964 to ‘84 and will be familiar to hundreds of former pupils.

Nephew Paul Chesham, 57, of Caldy, said: “There were three great loves in her life, children, her pets and tennis.

“She played tennis for Cheshire and she was very good, even playing against an up and coming Ann Jones in a tournament in West Kirby in the ‘60s.”

Ann Jones went on to lift the Wimbledon ladies trophy in 1969.

He added: “So many people have been telling me what a kind and memorable lady she was – she will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew her.”

Former colleague and retired deputy head Joan Henshaw said: “Olga was such a character you couldn’t fail to remember her.

“She was a fantastic head, the welfare of children and the staff were her primary concerns and anyone with an association with the school will remember her with great affection.”

Miss Chesham died on Thursday May 28 and was buried in Landican Cemetery.