Family tribute to Newtown woman who appeared on BBC radio

Newtown born and bred Ann, as she was known, was the daughter of Dennis and Irene Humphreys. He father was a partner in the bakery business, Humphreys, of Parker’s Lane, Newtown. He was also an accomplished musician, and the organist at Newtown Baptist Chapel. Her mother was a schoolteacher, latterly at Newtown High School.

Ann was educated at Newtown Girls’ Grammar School and then at the College of Librarianship at Loughborough, where she qualified as an Associate of the Library Association. She pursued a career in librarianship, culminating in the post of Reference Librarian at Wolverhampton Central Library.

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Following retirement, she often visited Newtown, staying at Rhiwlas, Bryn Gardens, the former family home. On these visits she attended Newtown Methodist Church.

While as a pupil at Newtown Grammar School for Girls, Ann was part of the team of four girls who in 1955 represented the school in the popular BBC radio quiz for schools ‘Top of the Form’. After many close rounds, the team got to the final and won, bringing much excitement to the town and honour to the school.

Eleanor 'Ann' Humphreys (second from left) representing Newtown Grammar School for Girls in the popular BBC radio quiz for school 'Top of the Form' in 1955. (Image: Humphreys family)

Ann was a keen member of the Wolverhampton Bridge Club. Her other main interest was classical music, and she regularly attended concerts in the West Midlands as well as the Montgomeryshire Music Festival.

She is survived by her younger brother, Dennis Humphreys, a retired solicitor and novelist, living in south Devon.

Ann’s ashes will be buried in her parents’ grave at Newtown Cemetery on Tuesday, April 23.