Skills centre named in memory of Gill

When Gill died four years ago after a long battle with cancer, principal Mike Conn promised her widower Harry to name a new project after the former school governor.

Now the skills centre is up and running and is to be known as the Gill Hamilton Skills Centre.

Mr Conn said: “Gill was a wonderful person, loved by so many, who gave such great service both to our school as a governor and to the education world generally in Sussex.

“She had such enthusiasm and a passion for young people. She wanted to see them learning and succeeding, and to be happy.

“The school community was very sad when she died in 2006 and we have been determined ever since to do something which ensures her name lives on.”

The Skills Centre is positioned next to the former Bexhill High building, and is used by students from different schools and colleges.

It runs vocational courses, under the directorship of Malcolm Lake, and Mr Conn said it is already being a great success.

“The centre is providing opportunities for young people which they would not otherwise have had.

“Gill would have loved that, so it is only fitting we name the centre after her.”

Mr Conn said that Gill enjoyed her role as champion for technology and vocational skills for the whole area, especially Bexhill, in both secondary and primary schools.

Harry Hamilton - the Observer’s former gardening correspondent - said: “I am delighted at this news.

“Gill cared so passionately about local schools, especially Bexhill High.

“She would be greatly moved by the centre being named after her.”

PICTURED: Gill Hamilton