10:37am Monday 22nd March 2010
By Alex Lewis
A FORMER pupil of St Albans Girls Grammar School has told the Review of her memories of pioneering women's cricketer Audrey Collins, who died last month.
Audrey, who played for England against Australia in 1937 and taught chemistry at the predecessor to St Albans Girls' School for 35 years, died in a care home in Shropshire at 94.
Mary Mortimer, neé Bassil, who attended the school between 1944 and 1951 and low lives in Wimborne, Dorset, said: "Audrey came to the school in September 1945 from Huyton College, Liverpool.
"At the same time she became our Girl Guide captain of 1st St Albans (St Paul’s) company.
"She remained Captain for two-and-a half years until she sailed for Australia in January 1948.
"She led two memorable summer camps. In 1946, we went to Derbyshire and were joined by guiders and Guides from Huyton College.
"In 1947, we went to the Isle of Wight. The site was at Barton Manor, where her young niece and nephew were living.
"Audrey returned to the UK in 1950 and rejoined the school, once more to teach chemistry.
"I was taught by her in my upper sixth year 1950-51.
"In the summer of 1951, the Australian women’s cricket team toured the UK. During the tour, they played an East of England team, which included Audrey, at Clarence Park.
"Since the time of Audrey being my Guide captain, I have exchanged Christmas cards with her and will cherish the one I received at Christmas 2009."
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