Margaret Harper
Margaret Harper, who has sadly recently died, was associated with the Martindale Fund from its very early days. The Martindale Fund, as it is now, began In 1990/91 as the Martindale Special School closed and became the Centres for Physically Disabled children in Hounslow Heath Infant School, Hounslow Heath Junior School and Feltham Community School. Integrating the schools successfully was a challenge and Margaret advised the school and provided links with the families, which was invaluable at the time.
Inge Hempstead who worked with Margaret, has written her memories below. Inge was also associated with the Martindale Fund in the early days.
04/05/2023
Margaret was a member of the Martindale Fund from its early days in 1991.
She joined the newly formed Service for pupils with physical disabilities following the closure of Martindale School in 1990 and was instrumental in establishing the pioneering integration
project in Hounslow.
Margaret had a solid professional background of working with pupils with disabilities and excellent IT skills. This proved invaluable in advising the Martindale Fund in supporting requests
It equipment for pupils.
Margaret supported pupils, parents and staff in the three schools who had centres for pupils with disabilities as well as supporting individual pupils in other mainstream schools.
Her quiet but confident and competent way of working quickly gained her the respect of staff and parents and helped to make the integration scheme a success.
She was active and imaginative in the fundraising activities of the Martindale Fund and remained a member until her retirement.
We have lost a valued member who was dedicated to helping pupils with disabilities to achieve their best. She touched the lives of many people and will be remembered for her dedication and
pioneering zeal.
Inge Hempstead