Popular Hollington teacherJoan celebrates a century

Joan Willett, who taught at Hollington Junior School for 30 years, celebrated her 100th birthday at Old Hastings House last week.
Joan Willett SUS-160726-070733001Joan Willett SUS-160726-070733001
Joan Willett SUS-160726-070733001

Joan was born on July 19 1916 while her father was serving in France in the Great War.

The family lived at Clive vale at the time when electricity was only just replacing gas lights.

Joan started school full time at just three years old.

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She won a scholarship to Hastings High School, aged 11 and later went on to gain a higher school certificate to Avery Hill Teachers Training College in South London.

In the 1930’s she got a job in Edmonton North London and at 19 was teaching a class of 48 eight years olds.

When war broke out Joan stayed in London teaching the children who didn’t evacuate, before returning to Hastings and teaching at Hollington Junior.

She retired in 1978 and never stopped her love of the outdoors and being active, playing tennis in the summer and squash in the winter as well as taking up golf.

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Joan bought her first car in 1953, enjoying exploring the countryside by car.

Lisa Quaife, Activity Co-ordinator at Old Hastings House, said: “At 100 years old, Joan is a remarkable lady, physically and mentally active. She walks into town and up to the Laurels to see friends and continues to email friends, runs a monthly quiz group. She is involved with lots of activities, such as chair Zumba and loves weekly outings.

“She’s a member of our family here and has a huge amount of love and respect.”

Hastings Mayor Cllr Judy Rogers and East Sussex High Sheriff Michael Foster helped Joan to celebrate.

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