Willis, Gill

OSOBS Editor & Secretary, Membership Secretary,

Copied from The Gazette No 39

From Alan Dodds

Gill Willis - “I know I’ve been involved in my beloved Ottershaw for a long time” said Gill, in one of her columns in the Gazette, which she edited for over 20 years -including this issue, which was ready for the publisher just 3 days before she died.

In the first of the professionally laid-out Gazettes in 1989, she refers to it as the linchpin of the Society. But Gill herself was that linchpin. While Presidents, Chairmen and Committee members came and went, Gill was always there as Secretary, Membership Secretary, producing the Directory at regular intervals, and as Editor of the Gazette. “I really love your letters, of course, but it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t nag” she wrote in one issue. Her nagging bore wonderful fruit. In addition to the Gazette she helped arrange every meeting and event, and was always present with her warm welcome. All this was done on top of her involvement in the life of Chobham, which we know was considerable.

From the time when Christopher, the first of three, came to Ottershaw, Gill involved herself in the School as a member of the Parents Committee, which raised money for the School Fund. When the alarm bells rang with the threat of closure, Gill was one of the first to take up the cudgels against the County Council, even taking 6th. Formers to argue the case with County Councillors.

Our love and sympathy go out to Dick and the family in their sudden tragic loss, and all members of the Society will share in their mourning for a wonderful friend.

“Thanks again for having me” wrote Gill once. We now thank you, Gill, for all you have done for Ottershaw. I am sure her reply would be “Now it’s up to you lot!”.

We must not let her down.