Old Scholars will be saddened to hear of the death of Margaret Watson (née Pilgrim, YG 1954). Margaret was born in 1936 and was at Friends' School Saffron Walden from the Autumn term 1943 to Summer term 1953. She died peacefully, on the 28th December 2024, in Hatherley House Care Home.
Margaret's husband Tony Watson (YG 1954, current Trustee the Old Scholars' Association (OSA) and former Governor of the school) and daughter Sarah Westerhuis (née Watson, YG 1982, current Committee Member of the OSA and former staff of the school) have provided the following account of Maragaret's life.
Margaret Anne Watson was born in 1935. Her childhood was marked by the upheaval of the Second World War. During these formative years, her father, Jack Pilgrim, was in the Navy and then worked as a mining engineer in Ghana, which meant that Margaret saw him for only six months out of every eighteen. She lived with her mother in Saffron Walden and went to Junior House at Friends’ School from 1943 and stayed at the school until 1953. The later years were spent with her grandparents as her mother moved out to Ghana.
During her time there, she quickly distinguished herself through both academics and extracurricular activities. Margaret excelled in athletics, breaking several school records. She also participated in hockey and sang in the school choir, revealing a wide range of interests and talents.
After leaving school, Margaret trained as a PE teacher at Dartford College. She began her teaching career at Diss Grammar School and later moved to Bottisham Village College. Her enthusiasm for hockey flourished during these years, leading her to represent both Norfolk and Cambridgeshire County teams. She became Head of Girls PE at the County High School in Saffron Walden, where she inspired countless students. She later served as a Governor at Chrishall School. Margaret’s professional journey reflected her enduring passion for sports and education.
On 9 April 1960, Margaret married Tony Watson. Together, they raised two children. As her family grew, Margaret became the grandmother of four, and later, a great-grandmother. Her home became a lively centre of activity, with her children and grandchildren learning to swim in her pool. The grandchildren particularly remember evening swims (seen as ‘midnight swims'), shared meals, and overnight stays. The garden hosted equestrian pursuits and various sporting events, fostering a spirit of togetherness and fun. Her support extended beyond the family home as she encouraged her children and grandchildren in their athletic activities, particularly at Saffron Walden Hockey Club.
Singing was a lifelong passion for Margaret. She began with school choirs and continued with the Saffron Walden Choral Society, church choirs, and other groups. Her love for music led to memorable performances at prestigious venues such as Kings College Chapel and the Royal Albert Hall. Gardening was another source of pride for Margaret. She maintained a productive vegetable garden and took great pleasure in nurturing it year after year.
During the Covid lockdown, Margaret began to experience memory loss and was diagnosed with dementia. In late 2023, her health declined, resulting in hospital stays followed by a brief period at Hatherley House. Margaret died peacefully just after Christmas, on 28 December 2024, at the age of 89. She leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and community spirit, fondly remembered by her family and all who knew her.