St Michael's Church of England (A) First School
St Michael’s says goodbye to Mrs Hudlass 2003

On a warm summer’s evening in the grounds of St. Michael’s a surprised and overwhelmed Jenny Hudlass arrived find a huge crowd of us who had come to say a big thank you and goodbye to a head teacher we have all grown to know so well over her eighteen years at the school.

The beauty of a small village school is that it is such a crucial part of community life, so it was great to see not only governors, parents, fellow teachers past and present, students old and young but also people from the community at large, a true tribute to how many people have been touched by Jenny and her work at the school. As an ex-pupil myself (Jenny’s original 1984 class) it was really lovely to see so many familiar faces, many a lot taller than the last time I saw them, and to walk around the school once again. Despite the fantastic new buildings it has definitely shrunk and I heard many people say the same. The school looked really cheerful and welcoming, full of photos of happy children and outstanding artwork on the walls where my peg once was.

Following an impressive array of food and drink in the playground we were summoned in to the sound of the school bell, this hasn’t changed. (I remember queuing up to the same bell, particularly once a term to see the nit-nurse; I was very happy to have a ‘W’ surname as this meant that I was always last for nit inspection.) The hall looked remarkably different from when I learnt the words to ‘Cauliflowers fluffy and cabbages green’. We were treated to some fantastic singing by Juliet Hornby accompanied brilliantly by Tracy Kennington on the piano.

This truly magical music was followed by Martin Cox giving a very funny speech recounting a few of Jenny’s funniest moments, and there have been many, including the famous sailing on the sea of Galilee and the ability to paint pictures and teach bible stories at the same time. I also remember Mrs Hudlass as a larva changing into a butterfly in ‘Music and Movement’; she was always very agile!

And I recalled with very fond memories Mrs Hudlass’ impressive 1980s wardrobe thanks to Olivia Palmer who reminded us all of those amazing collars. Jenny’s face said it all when she received some fantastic photographic equipment as a present from the school, Jenny is a keen photographer so Martin reassured us that the school camera is safe now she has her own. She was also presented with a priceless book full of entries from many of her students since 1984 with their memories of the school, this, I know, she will cherish.

Jenny, a bit stunned I think, said some very heart-warming words and thanked the people who have helped and supported her over the years, I know there have been many including some of the people listening to her, but especially Val Long and Tracy Kennington who have taught with her. Jenny also mentioned the number of secretaries, dinner ladies and governors amongst others who have supported her and, very touchingly, her husband John. By this point I don’t know about Jenny but I was feeling very emotional but saved from tears by Martin and a gorgeous cake in the shape of the school, it was nice to see and now eat the bricks we had bought (£5 each, I still have the certificate) for the building of the new extension a few years ago.

I know I speak for everyone in thanking Alison Wood and her very capable team for all their hard work and preparation for the evening and on the evening itself, concluding with a welcome and continuous flow of food and drink. I know they have been preparing for some time and all their efforts certainly paid off. Jenny of course knew nothing of this evening and had simply been told to be ready at eight. She really did deserve such a lovely surprise and will be greatly missed. We know that while she is working for the diocese as an advisory teacher our children will continue to be looked after as well as they always have been by her. Jenny, we all wish you the very best for the future. Becky Weaver

Jenny’s Farewell Party 2 One two, one two, hallo Mickleham, testing, testing. One, one two… those of us who had heard – and loved - the latest (not, please, the last) Batt’n’Banfield hits-from-the-musicals were a tad unprepared for the 4,000 watts of raw rock’n’roll that hit the McComish Hall the following Saturday. It was a fitting farewell to Jenny Hudlass, much loved head of St Michael’s who, if we can say this in a family magazine, had bought half a day of Martin Cox’s time in an auction. Or something like that.

A hundred and fifty or so of us sat for about 5 minutes, and then danced for another 90, as Martin and the ‘Band With No Name’ (or shame?) ripped through every ‘60s and ‘70s song you could think of and even – shock horror – some ‘80s. We opened with Robbie, warmed up to the Stones, moved on to the Who, dipped into some Steppenwolf, Saw her standing there, Hi ho’d silver lining, blurred Parklife, Substituted for another guy, Lazed on a Sunny Afternoon, were welcomed in the Hotel California – the list goes on.

Guitarist Phil Reid, bassist Phil Neil and drummer Nick Arthur gave us an awesome rhythm section. Rod Anderson on keyboards and Dave Pollard on lead guitar hit us with unchained melody, but the star of the show was Martin. Eat your heart out Mick Jagger, Roger Daltry, Ray Davies and the rest. Strutting round the stage and working the audience like the pro he clearly could have been, Martin had the audience eating out of his hand long before the second number was done.

And then the moment we were all waiting for, as ‘Girls Shut Up’ hit the stage, and launched into Abba’s Mrs Hudlass aka a rewritten Mama Mia. Kate Cox, Ali Bullen, Michaela Edge, Anita Freyling, Maria Haynes, Angela Lane, Jackie Smithers and Fiona Taylor, resplendent in pigtails, gym slips and mini skirts, accelerated our heartbeats to dangerous levels. Then they changed into thigh length boots (no whips, sadly) for These Boots Were Made For Walking. Poor Gordon nearly died of excitement as he tried to crowd-surf on to the stage...

The finale was Summer Holiday, paying tribute to Jenny’s love of Cliff, and with Jenny as guest backing vocals no less, then a few minutes of Will Dennis’s ‘Time for Bed’ disco rounded off the evening before lights out. Thanks to organisers Helen Pollard, Sabrina Hodges, Janet Meadway, Lewis Edge and Rob Lane and apologies to any other helpers we have omitted, but most all to Martin the Man – and to Jenny for whom this was a fitting farewell. Will Dennis

Jenny Hudlass writes… How can I express in words the emotions felt when I arrived at a surprise farewell reception held in my honour at St Michael’s School on Saturday 12th July, with over 200 former parents,and pupils, friends, staff and governors gathered in the festively decked school grounds. I will treasure not only the gifts and tributes made on that evening but being part of our young people’s Christian education.

Not to be outdone, and in true Mickleham fashion, a FINAL final farewell had also been arranged, where once again parents past and present, staff, governors and villagers danced the night away to an evening of Rock n’ Roll. Martin Cox / Dave Pollard and Company had decided I was not to go out quietly – they certainly made sure of that! Thanks guys!

Ben Tatham, Chairman of the Governors writes... The governors of St Michael’s School are pleased to report that Anne Hossack has accepted their offer of the post of acting headteacher for the two terms from September with the option of converting this to a permanent appointment after that period. Anne is a member of the Senior Management Team at the Redlands School, Dorking and has very sound experience in the education of young children. Anne will be visiting the school during the second half of the summer term so that she can get to know the staff and children.