On Monday 6th January, a well-respected, inspirational former teacher and much-loved colleague and friend sadly passed away after a relatively brief illness.
Christine Bradshaw (Chris) joined Bridgnorth Endowed School as a textiles teacher in 1984, after starting her teaching career in Leicester.
She worked very closely with the art department for many years and, although she transferred to the design department to teach textiles technology, Chris was always an artist at heart.
But Chris was so much more than a textiles teacher at the school. Through her passion and interest in sport she helped run athletics and hockey and played a big part in sports day every year.
She mentored many students and sixth formers in her roles as form tutor and sixth form mentor. She made costumes for the school plays, and accompanied colleagues on many school trips and residentials.
Chris even drove the minibus for after-school events and sports fixtures and was just one of those people that ‘do’. She was such an active, energetic member of staff and a strong asset to the BES community.
Chris’s children Anna and George were both successful pupils at the school and our thoughts go out to them and her husband Jon at this sad time.
After Chris retired from Bridgnorth Endowed in 2011, she was able to spend more time on her own art practice. However, on many occasions she was asked to come back into school to run printing workshops or help support, direct and advise pupils preparing for their GCSE and A Level art exams.
She was always very willing and, though her returns were brief, colleagues could see that she had never lost her energy, passion and love for teaching.
Head of Creative Arts, Mrs Tristham, said: “Chris was a great role model for me when I started the school as a newly qualified teacher. Over the years, she became a great personal friend to me and my family.
“Her loss is devastating but I will never lose the inspiration she gave me. I will cherish my memories of Chris and those memories will continue to inspire me in both my professional and personal life.”
