School staff stepping out in memory of popular teacher
Ulcombe
Staff at a school are walking for charity in memory of a former colleague.
Liz Webb was deputy head of Senacre Wood Primary School for nine years, during which time she became a wellrespected colleague and friend to many of those who worked there.
An earlier operation to remove a rare and aggressive tumour proved not to be the lifeline doctors had thought, when her cancer returned in 2013.
In spite of her illness, Mrs Webb was still in school and available for the Ofsted inspection in November 2013, before taking time off a week later due to ill health.
She never returned to the Graveney Road school, and died last summer.
Now her former colleagues are taking part in the London Shine Walk in her memory. The 21-strong team, which has been dubbed the Senacre Sleepwalkers, is joined by Mrs Webb’s three daughters, known as Phil, Tors and George, who all raise funds regularly.
The Shine Walk is organised by Cancer Research UK and runs from Southwark Park to Old Billingsgate, covering a distance of 26 miles.
Mrs Webb’s daughters have donated a shield to the school in her memory.
Called the Endeavour Shield it will be awarded to a pupil each year who has shown resilience and determination.
Peter Hellman, headmaster of Senacre Wood, said: “Staff, pupils and parents who were lucky enough to have worked with Liz will remember in particular her warmth and kindness, generosity, boundless energy, strength and sense of humour.”
The Senacre Sleepwalkers will be setting off on their challenge tomorrow (Saturday) evening. More than 150 Kent pubs were featured in this year’s Good Pub Guide.
Of these, one Maidstone pub was given a particular mention, The Pepperbox Inn in Ulcombe.
Although the inn is a Shepherd Neame pub, it has been run by the same family since 1958.
When Jack and Betty Wood first took the pub over 58 years ago, it was called the Horseshoes, with the name Pepperbox being a local nickname referring to a type of pistol.
The name Pepperbox Inn was formally adopted in the 1960s.
Now run by Jack and Betty’s daughter, Sarah Pemble and granddaughter, Sophie, the pub offers beautiful views over the Weald, due to its setting high on the crest of Windmill Hill.
Sophie said: “We offer a full restaurant menu and pub food too, so I like to think that we have something on offer for everyone, without over complicating the menu.”
The landladies try to keep the food seasonal where possible, and change the menus every 10-12 weeks accordingly.
Both said they were incredibly grateful to customers who had recommended the pub.