Dear Sir,

I was much saddened today (October 12, 2022) to see the obituary of my friend, Judith Ingham, in The Royal Gazette online. I feel I must acknowledge this great lady’s passing.

Judith was my [second] principal at the Purvis School in the Seventies. I was so tremendously impressed by this woman's strength, human wisdom and integrity. I have tried to keep in touch with her ever since. Every year Judith sent me a wonderful Bermuda calendar — usually that by the late artist Eric Amos, now the creation of Diana Amos and daughter Stacey. A wonderful way to meditate on the painted images and remember Bermuda.

I am sure the world has been enriched by the life of Judy Ingham. She has certainly had a beneficial influence on my life.

She always led by example, and I think showed her great humane understanding in the way she approached her position and work.

One small example: I once wrote a little play based on an African folktale. It featured a child hatching from an egg!

Judy, my principal then, observed drily: “Mr Morris, you know we have problems with trying to teach these children where babies originate.” But she smiled and did not attempt to prevent the children acting out the tale.

She had that kind of human wisdom and tolerance. She did not want to nip my youthful enthusiasm for the drama in the bud, as it were. So, the egg play went ahead and I trust no children were truly confused!

She had a long and fulfilling life. She was a real presence in my own life, even though much of the time at a great remove in distance.

I shall bear love in my heart for Judith Ingham to the end of my own life.

DAVID MORRIS

Byron Bay, New South Wales

Australia