Tributes paid as popular former Wirral headteacher dies aged 80

Jun 17 2009 by Kevin Core, Heswall 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.f

“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: “She was in her mid 30s when she played Ann and lost 6/4, 6/4 – but that’s pretty respectable!

“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 teacher Christine McCall of Pensby described Miss Chesham as “wonderful”, adding that she could often be seen in the area driving her Robin Reliant.

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

“It wouldn’t be allowed now but she would bring all her waifs and strays into the school, she loved animals and was always acquiring them and would bring them in until they were settled.

“Of course the children loved having them in the school.

“She was also a wonderful musician and played piano, I believe she was also well known to the Birkenhead Schools Music Festival and had an organisational responsibility.

“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 on Monday.