Sheila Elliott, wife of AFE, and Dame of Cotton House from 1965 to 1974, died in her sleep in Wales, aged 93, on 29th April 2024. Her memory had been declining due to Alzheimer’s, but previously her recollections of her years living in Marlborough were of some of the happiest times of her life. She arrived newly married to Alan (CR 1954-74), and while he taught Classics at the College, she taught at Marlborough Secondary Modern and local primary schools, played hockey for Marlborough town and became County Commissioner for Girl Guides. They produced three daughters, Caroline (PR 1975-77), Buffy and Kathy.

Before girls arrived at Marlborough, Sheila was called upon several times to take female roles in House and School plays, which she loved. When girls did arrive, she was instrumental in welcoming them to Cotton House. She created cosy accommodation for them from what had been the maids’ rooms in the attics, making the curtains and bedspreads herself. Indeed, when Caroline attended the memorial for John Dancy (Master 1961-72), she was touched to hear from one of those first girls, Ingrid Vevers nee Hopwood (CO 1969-71), how Sheila had become a second mother to Ingrid, helping her get over her homesickness when she first started at the College.

Equally moving was a sheaf of letters found by Caroline at Sheila’s house in Brecon, which had been kept by her parents for 50 years. These letters were written by boys, and a few girls, who had been at Cotton during the Elliott tenure, often thanking both her father and mother for how well they had been looked after at Cotton.

If you think you may have written one of those letters and would be curious to revisit your younger self, please get in touch with Caroline. Sheila’s family would love to hear from you.