Joyce Hammersley: Funeral date for Herts and Essex High School’s formidable former head

The funeral of Joyce Hammersley, the formidable former headmistress of the Herts and Essex High School, will take place on Monday (November 4).

The service at All Saints’ Church, Stansted Road, where she was a regular worshipper, will begin at 11am. All are welcome.

The teaching veteran transformed the Warwick Road secondary during her tenure. She took charge in 1965 and retired in 1989.

Her death was confirmed on October 15 in a message to the All Saints congregation by the vicar, the Rev Simon Vivian.

Nonagenarian Mrs Hammersley was a tireless fundraiser for the church and for Holy Trinity in South Street.

Her passing prompted heartfelt tributes from former pupils and grateful parents.

Her architecture lessons – affectionately referred to as “architorture” – and her firm but fair approach to discipline remained fond memories for many, decades later.

She was also highly regarded by those she came into contact with in everyday life and her other charitable works, such as supporting Birchanger Wood Trust.

On the Indie’s Facebook page, more than 100 people shared their memories and paid tribute.

David Samuels summed up the mood: “An indomitable lady whose enthusiasm, energy and kindness put us all to shame.”

Former pupil Nadia Sarfraz said: “Miss Hammersley, I’ll forever remember you as a warm, kind smile greeting us in the corridors. It was never the same after you left. Rest in peace and thank you for your service. Teachers can make or break a child’s experience at school. This wonderful lady led with kindness.”

Ali Stubbings said: “Although it may not have felt it at the time, I now realise how lucky we were to have her as headmistress. Incredible woman to have coped with us all!”

Jenny Green said: “We had a ‘tricky’ relationship while I was at H&E, me being a bit of a rebel. But we often came across each other in town and she always remembered my name and we would chat for a few minutes. She was totally unique and a great headmistress. She will be missed. Rest in peace.”

Helen Miller said: “Her double ‘architorture’ lessons were legendary. What an amazing classical education we got at the Herts & Essex. Latin as standard! I’ve never forgotten the difference between the Doric, Corinthian and Ionic orders of ancient architecture. She was an amazing head of the school – such energy. Last saw her at a school reunion about nine years ago. Still super energetic.”

Clair Nelson said: “I have a memory (I don’t think I have imagined it) of her telling us a story in ‘architorture’ that she was on one of her coach holidays and was sat next to a single lady that she did not know. They both spoke several foreign languages but the lady didn’t speak English and Miss Hammersley didn’t speak the native language of the lady, so they conversed in Latin instead. She was an amazing lady.”

Claire Tanner said: “I was so fortunate to go to Herts & Essex while Miss Hammersley was the head. Proper school. Always grateful. Rest in peace, Miss Hammersley. You were such a positive influence.”

Nai Yee Chu said: “Very sad news. As a student we were scared of Miss Hammersley, but, looking back, she was a truly passionate and devoted headteacher. Years after I left she still remembered my name and always stopped to have a chat in the town. RIP.”

Izzy Allan said: “Such sad news. I met her through my various shifts at Marks & Spencer, Bishop’s Stortford. I found her to be a lovely lady full of wit and wisdom. We had many a conversation about language(s), education and modern life and times. Independent to the very end, she was a true inspiration. May she RIP.”

David Brown said: “As the local community police officer in the 1990s, I often came across Miss Hammersley. Struck me as a lovely lady, but someone you wouldn’t argue with.

“She told me that after church on a Sunday, she often visited town centre pubs looking for under-age Herts and Essex drinkers. Anyone found would see her in her office at 9am Monday morning.”

Valerie Dinwiddy said: “She was so kind to our daughter when she became the new curate at Holy Trinity Church, inviting her to a lovely lunch and then taking her around her garden and giving her some fruit to take away with her. We met her at the welcoming garden party for our daughter and she was absolutely charming! RIP.”