Death of former Edgehill College headmistress

Miss Annie Mary Shaw, whose name is synonymous with the former Edgehill College in Bideford, has died at the age of 92.

Thousands of young women spent their formative years at the college under the leadership of Miss Shaw, who was headmistress from 1955 to 1976.

She joined the college after having taught at other Methodist Foundation schools, including in Yorkshire and just outside London.

Methodism was her life, at her local church and serving at circuit, district and national level.

Miss Shaw was also a patron of the arts and local artists and encouraged art within the college. She was actively involved with the Burton Art Gallery in Bideford and also played prominent roles with the local Volunteer Bureau and the doorstep Mobile Library.

She lived in Northam and loved to be able to say that she could see the sea every day.

Miss Shaw died at the Lakenham Residential Care Home in Northam on July 13.

A family service is being held at the North Devon Crematorium next Monday, July 25, and will be followed at 1pm the same day by a service of thanksgiving at the High Street Methodist Church in Bideford, which Miss Shaw and the Edgehill girls attended during her headship.