Norah Hernould

Granddaughter Bianca

Norah and grandson Jonathan

Malcolm Hernould

 

Past teacher Jim Gervasio wrote:-

"You may have a note of this already but, in case not, this is a reminder that Nora Hermould's 90th birthday is 13 June 2007.

I am sure her many friends and former students would wish this to be recognised in some way - and certainly on the Priory website. Hers has been a really significant contribution to the education of generations of young people - as is evident from the many tributes to her that appear from contributors to the site. 

We keep in touch with her, as I know, does Graham ( Davis). She lives in Sutton, Surrey, UK."

That was all it took and here are your messages of best wishes and respect:-

Dear Mrs. Hernould,

                             This is George Benson, the very tall, somewhat sports & academically challenged boy that you had to put up with for 3 years in the mid-sixties at Priory. I still can recite Shakespeare because of you and I went on to impress many with my knowledge of history because of the infectious joy you brought to the subject. Four University degrees later, I attribute much to your patience and interest in each & every one of your students, including this one. You are Number # 1 in my books.

Here's wishing you a very Happy 90th Birthday...and good health as you prepare for another 90.

 

Kind Regards,

George

I have always pictured Mrs Hernould as being one of Priory's "foundation"

teachers. Whilst I just missed out on being under Mr Fowler's direct stewardship, I was taught Religious Education by Mrs Herould from my first year at the senior school in 1973. She always had a mild and understated manner about her, but she always had an air of someone who possessed a wealth of knowledge, experience and dignity in her own way. Although she was not one of those teachers with a big personality that everyone always remembers from those old Priory days, I bet that anyone who remembers her would always do so with a huge sense of respect and appreciation of her contribution to the character of Priory AS we all experienced it. It says a lot about someone who can leave such a huge impression on such an institution as Priory with such a calm and mild mannered persona.

 

Happy Birthday Mrs Hernould

John Downie

(Class B3A, 1973)

A voice from the late 60's. Happy Birthday and good health. I well remember both your good advice to a rookie in Jamaica, prone to make all the mistakes that young Brits of the 60's would make; but more  importantly  I remember the fabulous food you fed us both at  Caymanas(?) or close, and your place in Kingston. Curried Goat was never my bag but Steak at Norah's was magical. I hope the boys are well  and happy and that you continue to be a model for us all.

John Tansey.. now in retirement in Niagara on the Lake  Canada. Have a great day.

Happy 90th Birthday Mrs. Hernould from the Humphries family. You taught myself (Sally), my sister (Jill) and my brother (Andrew). I have many happy memories of you. All the best on the day with many more birthdays to come.

 

Sally Humphries

Nora, we haven't kept in touch since my days at Priory (1973 -1976) but I have had news of you via Graham Davis and the Gervasios. I keep in touch with Jim and Jenny, and was at Jim's 60th party last year. We saw Graham when we visited Jamaica I think in 1999. That is the only time I have been back.

I've been living here in Suffolk since 1980, so Jamaica and Priory seems an awful long time ago.

Sadly, as you may know, Pascale passed away, (breast cancer), in 2002.

As for me, I'm still working - for BT, whom I've been with for 27 years, but am looking to retire next year. We had four children (Suzanne, the first, was born while we were in Jamaica). Suzanne is married with 2 children of her own + another on the way, Stefan is getting married next year, and Ralph is wondering the world at length! Anthony, the youngest (17) is still at home with me. They've all turned out well in their own way so far.

 

Nora, I hope you are really well. Congratulations on making it to such a ripe old age - you are as tough as old boots!  I can picture you now back in the old school house.

I'm sure you'll be having a party, so I'll raise a glass to you on June 13th!

Happy memories.

Many happy returns!

Chris Skrimshire

Norah was and is a great friend.  I have yet to hear anyone speak ill of her and she has been a superb ambassador for Priory, education and getting on with life.  We love her to bits.

 

Jenny and Martin Waterhouse

Happy Birthday Mrs. Hernould, enjoy and remember " The more Candles, the brighter your Life. So Light them up"

 

From Lennox Logan aka Lox. Mrs. Hernould was my home room and English Teacher my first year at Priory (1981..S1) 

 

PS: Dwight Dunn said Happy Birthday as well.. Hope you remember us.. Enjoy    :)   

 

I’ve often found in life that there are many things that are hard to believe.  One of the most difficult ones to accept as possibly being true is the fact that you are soon to be ninety years old.  We always picture people from our past as still being the same as when we last saw them, & for some that is an insult & for some it is flattery. Nevertheless, I’m sure you will always remain in the hearts of all your past students as they once knew you.

Happy Birthday Norah on June 13^th 2007 and every year after until you at least reach 100.

Ethel Fulford

 

Although she was never one of my teachers at the Priory (probably to my detriment) I will always remember Mrs. Hernould as the epitome of a strong, stern yet gentle matriarch and human being, whose energy and drive inspired me to press on regardless and seek my place in the sun.
 
She was also one of the humblest persons I have ever known, a characteristic that she obviously passed on to to her sons, especially Malcolm, who is now in international airline pilot. My heartest congratulations to "Lady Norah" on behalf of the Class of 1970, and for myself, on this rare event. I only hope she is able to read and/or understand the many tributes that I'm sure will continue to pour in from those who like me will always love her and cherish her kindness.
 
One Love,
 
Arthur G. Kitchin, Priory Student 1968 - 70

Congratulations on your birthday. We have been so blessed to have your gentleness for 90 trips around the sun!

Very best wishes to you from the Parkins, Michele and her mother, Valerie in Toronto.

Dear Mrs Hernould,

 

I have been hoping to meet up with you for many years now just to see if you are the same joyful person you were back in the days of Priory, Ferry Inn, Green Gables and Morgan's Harbour. I missed the opportunity in 1993-4 when I lived near Simon in Ilderton, missed again in 2001-2 when living in Jamaica and Malcolm told me at a party on Skyline Drive that you were leaving the next day.

 

So I will update you on our family news that you may have missed over the years:

- My father, Donal, passed away in December 1995 while living in Atlanta with his Jamaican wife Jennifer and their 2 children (Roderick and Isobel). He managed to write a Jamaican story called the "Jamaica Triangle" about "Guns, Greed and Ganja", in which Simon spotted his dad Charles' character -- which wasn't that difficult because he was called 'Charles' and ran a pub called 'Green Gables'.

- My brothers Hugh and Ian are living and working in Barrie, Ontario.

Both are married and have 2 girls each, named Emily and Erica; and Alexis and Mackenzie.

- My sister, Leslie, who lives near me in Vancouver, confessed recently that she and Malcolm had a "secret affair" and may have even kissed when they were 4 or 5 and our families used to meet up at Ferry Inn (Malcolm you devil).

- I am living in Vancouver and working in the Caribbean (when I can), and am married to Donna McClure who is a family doctor working with HIV/AIDS patients. I have yet to write my Jamaican story, but will send you a copy when it is finished (soon come).

- Sadly, my mother Anne passed away a year ago June 26th at the young old age of 77, after discovering she had lung cancer 9 months earlier.

She did not experience much pain or suffering, and she was smiling and laughing to the end, visiting friends and relatives in Canada -- although she did want to visit the UK one more time, but missed the opportunity. So I plan to come over at the end of June.

 

But there is plenty of time yet to meet up in Ilderton, Jamaica or the UK, as it is early days in your 10th decade. So don't be surprised if I turn up somewhere with a novel for you to read.

 

Happy Birthday,

 

 From Stuart and the rest of the Morgan's Harbour Black family.

 

The photograph was taken in Nevis where I was working on an information technology (IT) project to help the country make the transition from an outdated sugar economy to a modern, knowledge-based, service-oriented economy. It is early days in the transition process!

 

Henry Fowler once told me that Norah Hernould epitomized the "perfect tutor and was a role model for any aspiring Teacher”.   She exuded confidence and possessed a definitive rare quality to grasp children’s problems and to assist wherever possible. Her teaching skills were quite remarkable, notably with those children with learning difficulties.

Norah Hernould is one of the most charismatic people I have ever met. Inspirational, charming, tolerant and kind to all, she excelled in the use of the English language and was a prolific storyteller.

A graduate of The Royal College of Music, she encouraged people to adopt a liking for classical music whilst also accepting that "The Beatles were rather good but lacked depth and true musical talent”! She is a lifetime admirer of my very dear friend David Johns, another ex-Priory student, whose outstanding achievements are well documented. His success has brought her tremendous joy over the years.

Norah and I have kept in touch since I left the staff of The Priory in 1971. We have exchanged Christmas cards, written letters and talked at length over the telephone. Her recollections of those halcyon days in the 1960s are a constant delight and it has been a privilege to have known her all of my adult life and most of my childhood.

It gives me tremendous pleasure to wish her a very happy birthday later this month. I sincerely hope that she has many more years of good health and happiness.

 

Ian Slater,

The Priory School, 1963 - 71

We congratulate Mrs. Hernould  on the occasion of her 90th birthday. She was a truly wonderful teacher and very much ahead of her time in dealing with special education issues.  She cared a great deal for children and always helped children strive towards their full potential. Our family benefited from our association with her. Best wishes for the future.

Marsha Henriques ( on behalf of the Henriques family)

 

Happy Birthday Mrs. Hernould:

Although you did not teach me (amazing, as I was at Priory for 13 years!) I have many great memories of you.

Here's one -- do you remember when I took this photograph?

God bless you.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Costa

 

Hi Mrs. Hernould,

You played a very important role in my formative years at Priory and you will always be part of my memories of the Priory years starting in 1968. I am in contact with Simon (our alarm specialist) regularly here in Canada, and I see Malcolm when I visit Jamaica.

Best wishes on your 90^th Birthday.

Peter-James Gregory

I first met Nora Hernould when my grandmother went to work at the Green Gables motel which Mrs. Hernould and her husband were running.  I often spent weekends with my grandmother at the motel and when Gran was working, I would shadow Mrs. Hernould.  I loved helping her prepare rooms for guests and I thought that being allowed to wash glasses in the kitchen was the best! 

 

Mrs. Hernould was very patient with my never ending stream of questions and ceaseless conversation.  She made me feel special and I loved her pet name for me – Apple Dumpling.  I never had the privilege of being in her class, but she always greeted me cheerfully at school and hugged me often.  This meant a lot to me as I adjusted to our family’s move from Montego Bay to Kingston. 

 

Happy 90^th Birthday Mrs. Hernould!  Thanks again for your input in my life.  It has meant a lot to me through the years.

 

God bless,

 

Nicola Burke

 

Dear Mrs. Hernould,

 

I am so honoured to be able to send you a birthday message 36 years after I had the good fortune of being in your English Literature class.

 

An avid reader though I was, you opened a whole other world to me by introducing me to novels such as The Railway Children, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Secret Garden, as well as heart wrenching biographies as in The Diary of Anne Frank. (Oh dear... this sentence appears to be a run

on..)

 

I will never forget your stern but poised and gentle manner and the love of exploring literature that you cultivated in all your students.  I loved coming to your English class.

 

I wish you a wonderful birthday and thank you again for your tremendous contribution to our school lives.  You truly have exemplified all that it means to be a teacher.

 

Warmest wishes,

 

Wendy Sasso

The warmest and sincere birthday wishes to you.  You are still our anchor and connection with a very special time in our past ; a true testimony to a collective memory and experience that is unique to The Priory School. Thanks for the memories.

 

Tracy Marsh -The  Priory School 1972 to 1977

 

Norah is one of those remarkable human beings whose spirit, good humour and determination have allowed her to live an extraordinary life. We became very close to Norah during our time in Jamaica. Norah's passion for theatre and acting led to our touring a Victorian melodrama - 'Gaslight' the length and breadth of Jamaica with Sue playing a Victorian maid to Norah's stunning performance as the abused wife of a bullying husband.

We then saw the resilience and fortitude so typical of Norah when her restaurant and guest house was attacked by gunmen and Norah was badly injured. We donated blood for Norah and then she spent some time convalescing at our cottage in Irish Town.  I know a bond was established between us then and we have maintained contact ever since, finally visiting her in southern England a few years ago. The small figure who greeted us at her home was obviously older and more frail than we remembered but her spirit and humour were undiminished.

Norah you are a remarkable person who has been an inspiration to so many people in so many different ways. You personify what is extraordinary and gracious in the human spirit.

Many congratulations on your 90th birthday.

With  fond memories and much affection from Barrie and Sue Day 

 

Every summer my village produces “Shakespeare on the Sound” and I always think of Mrs. Hernould as I work with the children at the library to introduce them to the Shakespeare play being performed that year. She was the first teacher I had who made his work accessible and enjoyable and it has stood me in good stead for 40 years! So thank you very much Mrs. Hernould and Happy, Happy Birthday!

 

Best Regards, Ruth Freeman

 

Dear Mrs. Hernould,

You will forever be one of my favorite teachers.  I'll never forget your lessons on the great works in English Literature…..the short stories, the poetry, the narratives.  Wordsworth, Blake and Shakespeare to name a few….

"….and the whining schoolboy with his satchel creeping like snail unwillingly to school".  You said that "like a snail" would spoil the flow of the poem.

Although I chose to be a scientist, I am an avid reader who appreciates the nuances of good writing.
Thank you Mrs. Hernould.

Have a Happy Ninetieth Birthday!
.
Alison

Alison A. Cotterell, Ph.D.

 

Congratulations to a wonderful lady and well done on reaching the grand age of 90.

Your contribution to the great institution of Priory School is remembered and appreciated by so many students who benefited from your careful tuition during your years of teaching.

With fond memories and very best of wishes from Verity and Vince Woolley students from 1964 to1967

 

Norah Hernould was certainly one of Henry Fowler's most trusted and loyal teachers.  For years she would meet in Henry's study every Friday afternoon where they traded Priory stories, learned from each other and strategized for the coming week.  Her excellent judgement of character and situations guided Henry through many school crises. 

Her knowledge of what the Priory students needed to continue their studies in England was invaluable, as also was her assistance in shaping Priory's curriculum. Her sensitivity and special attention to students who needed extra help was unfailing and she literally saved many students from academic misfortune offering them expert tutoring. 

As an accomplished pianist herself, she took a special interest in Priory's musically gifted students.  Her encouragement to students like David Johns, Winterton Garvey and Stephen Coore helped to guide and shape their successful musical futures. 

Norah had boundless energy as was evident any afternoon one could see her briskly  walking home  on Hope Road after a long hard day at Priory, refusing rides from everyone.  In addition to her full time teaching load and her administrative duties as being the Head of the Middle School, Norah was the mother of two wonderfully warm hearted Priory sons, Simon and Malcolm. As if her duties at Priory were not enough Norah, practically single-handedly ran the quaint guest house on Halfway Tree Road, 'Green Gables.' 

   

Norah had a gift for teaching and relating to students of 26 different nationalities, to parents of all backgrounds and to teachers with all of their peculiarities.. In her quiet, reserved and respectful way, Norah was our teacher, administrator, friend, mother and advisor  to us all.  Over the years her service played an integral part in shaping Priory's philosophy.  I will always remember Norah Hernould as one of the cornerstones of The Priory School.

     

Julie Webster
Priory School 1968 - 73

 

Mrs. Hernould wasn´t my teacher. She was the head of the department during some of my years at Priory thus her signature on my report card.

I think I can say that the trait I most admired in her was the gentle way she sent out unspoken messages of discipline with a glance.

I am glad to be able to wish her a very happy 90th birthday!

 

sumya

Norah, this is indeed a special day!

What an achievement! To be ninety years young is not given to everyone!

I bless the day I met you at Priory, an incredible thirty seven years ago.

I know more than anyone your contribution to Priory, your great loyalty to Mr. Fowler, your kindness to all the staff especially the new ones, several of whom stayed at Green Gables until they got established.

I remember you in “Gaslight”, a play you wanted to do for so long. That performance showed some of your students a side of you they had never known before.

Personal memories include the day that Green Gables burned down when Andrew Woods and I drove you as close as we could get to the inferno then you took off and ran down the road with Andrew chasing as I tried to park the car.  I recall the election that followed and you lying on the settee at my house unwilling to eat then suddenly reviving as the results came in!

Another memory is of your slipped disc when you could not move and again I brought you to my house. You slept on the floor as the only place you could get comfortable. The agonies of getting you upright in the mornings nearly put my back out on a number of occasions but we were always able to laugh about it.

I am happy that we have been able to maintain our special friendship through regular meetings in England and in Jamaica over the years. We have so many shared experiences.

I look forward to your return to Jamaica and to much more of our reminiscing.

So many students owe so much to you, so many former members of staff will long be grateful to you for easing their transition into a new school and country.

As for me, I never could repay the debt I owe you for years of friendship and for just being there when I needed you most.

Much love on your birthday, Marie G.