Biography
MARGARET HOLMES had a 'Manse' childhood, being educated in a Spartan boarding school for Parson's daughters and later gaining a General Degree and Teacher's Diploma at Manchester University.
After her marriage she moved to Surrey where she answered an appeal to give a home to a Chinese boy from Penang, Malaysia, whose father wanted him to study in the UK. Eventually he gained a place at St Andrews University to study Dentistry.
Following on from that Margaret arranged with the British Council to have a monthly tea party of half a dozen overseas students at home, which she did for several years - her visitors' book boasts over 300 names from all over the world.
On one occasion Godfrey Winn, the well-known journalist, came and subsequently wrote an article in a women's magazine, which led to an appearance on a television programme.
Margaret has taught English to foreign students at Kingston Polytechnic (now University), Wimbledon Tech and finally Putney College where she welcomed the first student of the new department.
Margaret has involved herself extensively in social work; Marriage Guidance in London for 9 years, Hospital visiting in Epsom, and Tutor-Organiser for Old People's Welfare at the London Council of Social Service.
She has also written Wanted - Someone to Talk To (Epworth Press), Put me Through to God (Epworth Press), and Growth into Being - the need for man to realise that he is a spiritual being (Pilgrim Books). Her work has also been broadcast as, A very good class and five Prayers for the Day.
Margaret passed away on 22nd October 2004.
