Family of ex-teacher Audrey Nudds from Heckmondwike pay tribute

Audrey, who spent most of her teaching career at Manor Infants and Meadowside in Knaresborough, died on October 4.

She was the widow of Percy Raymond Nudds. They shared 61 years of marriage together, before his death in 2011.

Born in Heckmondwike, on April 7 1926, she was the only daughter of Beatrice and Lewis Clough. She spent all of her earlier life living in Cleckheaton.

At the age of 11 Audrey was awarded a scholarship for Whitcliffe Mount Grammar School and went on to achieve her Higher School Certificate and A levels in English and French.

Amongst her many achievements, Audrey excelled at swimming and gained the ‘Marion Barraclough’ Cup at the age of 18.

On leaving the Grammar School Audrey went on to train as a primary school teacher at Goldsmith College, London.

Unfortunately, to Audrey’s disappointment, the students were evacuated to Nottingham during World War Two, so she did not get to enjoy the exciting city life of the capital, to which she was really looking forward.

She and Percy went on to raise three children, after which Audrey returned to teaching. Many former pupils are sure to remember her.

In Audrey’s younger days she was a committed Guider and Ranger, enjoying the many outdoor pursuits and challenges this offered. However, her main passion was working with young children and she was dedicated to her own family life, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She enjoyed music, playing the piano and singing. She was a member of the Harrogate Choral Society for over 25 years. She also enjoyed travelling with the family.

Audrey took early retirement in 1983 in order to look after her grandchildren.

Shortly afterwards, Audrey, began to gradually lose her sight due to glaucoma. However, her loved ones have said this did not deter her from leading a full and enjoyable life with her family and friends.

Her family said: “Her humour and positive approach to life always kept her spirits high. Audrey will always be remembered for her optimistic outlook on life and her easy-going nature. She was a wonderful and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a super mother-in-law. She will be greatly missed.”

Audrey is survived by her three children, David, Barbara and Margaret.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Fiona, Samantha, Jonathan and Alexandra and her great-grandchildren, Mercedez, Eva, Vivian, Skyler and Roslyn.

he family have paid tribute to Audrey, who was much-loved within the family and the community, and well-known from her teaching days.