This year’s Old Silhillians Annual Dinner was somewhat different to previous years. Instead of a Guest Speaker, Jill Godsall had agreed to be the Guest of Honour. In his second consecutive year as President, Simon Westwood (Shenstone 1966-1975), welcomed distinguished guests for an evening of exceptional food and a superb atmosphere. Following the Loyal Toast proposed by Sean Morgan, the Headmaster gave a lively overview of how the school was doing, both academically and in terms of sport. There was heavy emphasis on the 465th anniversary of the school with a seemingly endless supply of ‘465’ badges!

The President then proposed the toast to the school, followed by an instruction of the principal guests. Aside from Jill Godsall, we were honoured by the presence of the Chair of the Governors, Damian Kelly, the Executive Headmaster, Charles Fillingham, the Head of the Senior School, Sean Morgan, accompanied by both his Deputies, Katherine Robinson and Rachael Speirs. Deb Smith, the Director of External Affairs, attended with her husband Jonathan, along with Lynn Moseley, the Head of Alumni Relations and her husband Ian. The School Chaplain, the Reverend Rachel Hill-Brown attended and gave Grace. She was accompanied by her husband, the Reverend Canon Duncan Hill-Brown. Appropriately, the School Director of Music, Tim Kermode attended as did Pam Davies, one of the school’s piano teachers.  We were also graced with the presence of Louise Cox and Paula Loneragan, Past and Present Presidents of the Saint Martin’s Old Girls.

After this, the President invited Jill to join him at a pair of chairs set up for an ‘Audience With’ style interview. He introduced Jill to the audience and explained that Jill was, to the best of anyone’s knowledge, the longest serving member of academic staff in the history of the School. In truth, few needed any kind of introduction, as Jill had been a teacher at the school for sixty years and she was still a regular, and very welcome, visitor. She had worked with no less than ten Headmasters, six bursars, but only three Directors of Music, including the current Director.

Jill told us about her early years in Castle Bromwich during the Second World War, her father’s influence on her as concerns music and that she was the youngest ever student at the Birmingham Conservatoire. She explained that her recruitment into the teaching staff was very informal. She was, however, one of only three female members of the academic staff; the other two being about 40 years her senior.

She went on to explain how the school had become her virtual family after the loss of both parents within twelve months of each other, when she was relatively young. She mentioned some of her pupils who had gone on to achieve the highest honours in music.

Jill had been involved in the School Musicals from the very start, some fifty years previously. Her loyalty to, and love of, the school has always been one of her defining characteristics. In response to a question, Jill readily agreed that she was effectively ‘married’ to the school. After her second retirement, Jill was feeling a little lost and then the Alumni Office opened and Jill became a great font of knowledge for them and their close liaison endures to the present.

It seems fitting to conclude this piece with the closing words of the interview;

Jill, I’m sure I speak on behalf of the whole School Community – staff, Governors, parents, pupils and alumni – in thanking you for being you. I have never heard anyone say anything detrimental about you. That may not be unique but it’s rare for a schoolteacher to achieve that level of respect and kindness. Kindness is, perhaps, your defining characteristic. You were, and remain, so much more than a teacher. You nurtured your pupils not just at the piano but also as an ‘agony aunt’, friend and counsellor. Almost a surrogate Mum.

I spoke with our mutual friend, and my ex-colleague, Chris Grove a couple of days ago. Chris has led and organised some of the finest choirs in the country. He described you as – first of all, a lovely person – but also as a peerless musician and the finest accompanist he has ever had the pleasure of working with.

Long may you continue to grace us with your presence and I am personally very grateful that you agreed to be our Guest of Honour this evening.