Mrs Fay Hall

Teacher of Home Economics |1967-1987 | Girton CEGGS & Girton College

 

Janet Fay Hall was a much-loved and highly respected member of the Girton Grammar School community, remembered for her unwavering loyalty to the School and for the quiet, lasting influence she had on generations of students and colleagues.

Fay joined the staff of Girton Church of England Girls’ Grammar School in 1967 and went on to serve the School with distinction for twenty years, retiring in 1987. During that time, she fulfilled a remarkable range of roles, each carried out with care, professionalism and genuine warmth.

Her main teaching area was Home Economics, where Fay encouraged students to develop practical skills in cookery and presentation. Her classes were known for their high standards, and her students regularly achieved outstanding results in competitions and public shows. In 1987, a team of her students won the Gas Board Cooking Competition, earning the prize of a new model gas cooker for the School.

One of the most memorable elements of Fay’s teaching was the Year 10 luncheon project. Students were required to design a menu, set an attractive table, invite and entertain guests, and of course prepare the entire meal themselves. These luncheons became a much-anticipated event for staff, who were often invited as guests. For students, however, the most eagerly awaited – and occasionally nerve-wracking – moment was hearing Mrs Hall’s feedback. Fay’s standards were high, but her guidance was always constructive and encouraging.

It is a lasting testament to her expertise that so many of her students went on to careers in the food and hospitality industries. Even today, former students and staff continue to recall her advice and still use her recipes with fond appreciation.

Fay also taught Religious Education, a subject she brought to life through her own strong personal faith. For many students, her thoughtful and compassionate approach made the subject both meaningful and deeply relevant.

At a time when Girton had a high proportion of boarders, Fay’s contribution extended far beyond the classroom. Her involvement in boarding life was extensive and deeply personal. Over the years, she took responsibility for boarders’ meals, served as Boarding House Mistress, and became a trusted chaperone, confidante and, to many students, a reassuring surrogate mother.

Another of Fay’s much-loved roles was running the School tuck shop. In doing so, she became a familiar and approachable presence for students across all year levels. Her knowledge of the girls and boys in her care, and her genuine understanding of their lives, was remarkable.

Fay’s influence was felt just as strongly among her colleagues. Staff valued her as an advisor and mentor, and her generosity of spirit extended into her personal life. Her hospitality following Speech Night each year was eagerly anticipated and became a fitting and joyful way to conclude the school year.

As a colleague and close friend, Dorothy Crothers captured Fay’s impact with heartfelt simplicity:

“On a personal level, I regarded Fay as an exceptionally gifted colleague and a dear friend.”

This sentiment was shared by many across the Girton community, who valued Fay not only for her professionalism and dedication, but for the warmth, generosity and friendship she offered so freely to both students and staff.

When Fay retired in 1987, Girton was already beginning to move into a new and changing chapter. Yet her contribution to the School’s history remains unique. She shaped not only skills and knowledge, but confidence, character and community.

An Honorary Life Member of the Old Girtonians’ Association, Fay Hall is remembered with great affection and respect. She is honoured by the many students she taught and the colleagues who were fortunate to work beside her.