Irene’s funeral service was held at Wealdstone Methodist Church, Locket Rd, Wealdstone, HA3 7ND at 2.00pm on Wed 23 Jan, 2013 - followed by a commital at Breakspear Crematorium. The service was led by Rev John Swarbrick, the minister at Wealdstone.
Irene in her late eighties - still dressed elegantly.
From Geraldine Charles:
I went to Renee’s funeral today and have come back in awe at some of the things she achieved.
She was born in Yorkshire and her parents, who had grown up during the Victorian era, had a particular view of life and her father did not approve of the fact she wished to become a teacher (an aspiration above her station!). She had the strength of character to stand up to him and went on to train at Brighton.
We also learnt that she experienced a personal tragedy during WW 2. She had become engaged but her fiancée was killed when his ship was torpedoed, she subsequently always kept his photo near her for the rest of her life. She devoted her life not only to Chandos 1939-1976 but had taught previously at Belmont school since 1935. It was her involvement with Harrow Young musicians and other musical projects outside of school that was so amazing.
'Jean Brodie' was mentioned. The minister went on to say he suspected Renee was a far more down to earth teacher! Unlike Jean Brodie, whose select elite were the creme de la creme, I think she fought to help us all aspire to higher ambitions, in the way she originally did and I am proud to have been one of her Girls… and I bet even now she is tuning her harp!
Sheila Monincx mailed in 2007:
I went to Chandos School, 1946-1950. I attended the school as Sheila Bush. My name now is Sheila W Monincx. I now live in Canada. I would love to talk to Miss Irene Grimley again as she gave me 3 years of private piano lessons and remembered me when I last spoke to her.
Miss Irene Grimley was a wonderful pianist and music teacher. She started the school orchestra. I knew her personally as my mother came to the school and asked her if she could please give me private piano lessons. She taught me for nearly 5 years till I left to emigrate to Canada. She had a grand piano in her living room and a sideboard with pretty china and we would have tea together after the lessons. She always dressed so elegantly and made me feel a special person. She helped me to pass 4 exams given at Harrow by the Royal Academy of Music. I will always be so grateful to her.
Because of her I learned to appreciate classical music. I was chosen by Miss Grimley, along with Margaret Kennedy and 2 other girls from Chandos, to hear the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent.
Miss Grimley had a large poster of him on the classroom wall and she admired him greatly.
It was held at the Granada Theatre and other schools from Harrow were represented.
I have often thought about Miss Grimley and the other teachers and old friends at Chandos School and nearly 2 years ago I was lucky I found this web-site and read all about the Chandos Old Girls Association where I was given Miss Grimley’s telephone number.
I was so amazed and delighted to be able to talk to her again after all these years.
I asked her if she remembered me.
She said, "Yes of course I do, Sheila, some pupils are hard to forget" - I thought that was pretty funny.
I was very sad to hear she has passed away but I shall never forget her.
Linda Stonebreaker and Renee, Summer 2000.
Irene said about Linda, an American hired to ease the shortage of teachers at Chandos, "She was the best English {ironically} teacher I have ever met.
from Marianne Wilson née Elliston in 2013:
I was at Chandos from 1959 to 1964, spending the last two years in the "academic" class with Marilyn Schmidt (née Gough).
I heard the news that Miss Grimley had died recently from Marilyn. Like Marilyn I was astonished that she was still alive up until then. I had a lot of respect for Miss Grimley. She was firm, but fair.
from Geraldine Charles in 2013 (who attended Chandos from '65 to '70):
I know from my time as Chairman and then Deputy Chairman of the Old Girls Association she was very proud of what many of us went on to achieve.
Those of you who came to the jubilee in 1997 (?) will remember her holding court in the old entrance way. If you can't make it, perhaps put aside the odd few minutes around 2 pm to remember her.
" …Chandos School we here today sing what we mean to do and be, to Thee our formal vows we pay, we lift our hearts and hands to Thee, Chandos School we'll live and strive to keep thy honoured name alive. The truth once found the truth we'll speak for world wide truthfulness we long, defend the right however weak, against the wrong however strong… Selfish ambition we'll despise nor profit by another's pain… For tis the striving not the prize that brings us real and worthy gain… Suspicion never shall find place, in any heart, we'll think the best of those around us, every face, shall smile and never seem depressed… God grant we keep these vows always, and shall thy name be ne'er disgraced, from Chandos School the world will say we know our trust is not misplaced… Chandos School… Chandos School"
From Shirley Wheeler, 2013 (who attended Chandos from '65 to '70):
I wish to add my heartfelt appreciation of Miss
Grimley's kindhearted dedication.
When she discovered that I liked music, she first tested my resolve and asked me to sing thirds and fifths above the notes she sang. Then some time later, she took me to see the Flying Dutchman at English National Opera.
We ate our sandwiches in the foyer and it was this magical introduction to Opera, that led me to a life-long love of Opera.
I am eternally grateful for that wonderful introduction which has given me so many hours of pleasure.
I was very fond of "The Grim" - she made a real difference to my experience and was inspiring in that classical, time-honoured way.
I am sure many would say the same.
I hope some can make it on Wednesday, she touched the lives of many so positively that she deserves a good send off.