A post on The Old Keswick Facebook page in March 2021 led to an unexpected reunion 55 years on with some ‘old girls’ from the town’s St John’s Junior School with their favourite teacher.
In April 1968 Valerie Gilpin, of Keswick, married Terry Burnell, of Leeds, at St John’s Church with all her pupils watching. Shortly afterwards the newly-weds left to begin a new life in Colorado, leaving behind some very sad pupils. In America, Valerie worked for the Outward Bound School and was involved in logistics and was the liaison between the student base and the office.
The couple later moved to Montrose in the western Colorado mountains and started their own company and she ran the enterprise before going back to teaching, working up from primary to high School where she had long term appointments as an English teacher.
Through the power of social media it was established that Val and Terry would be making a trip to Keswick, which would coincide with their 55th wedding anniversary. The question was then raised as to whether there were any of her ‘girls’ still living in or around the area who may like to meet up for a coffee and a chat, as she had never forgotten them, or her time at St John’s, and they had always held a special place in her heart.
As time was of the essence arrangements were quickly made, and on Sunday some very excited, if a little apprehensive ladies, all met at The Keswick Conservative Club, where Prosecco and an afternoon tea was enjoyed by all.
Not only was it 55 years since they had last seen their special teacher but it was also an opportunity for everyone to reconnect and catch up with each other, re-living the past which suddenly did not seem like 55 years ago.
Valerie is active in an Altrusa Club, an international community service organisation.
Her family were involved in several sports including archery and competed in both the United States and the UK. She taught archery for the junior Olympic archery development programme.
In 1998 she began trekking in Nepal where Terry expeditioned in 1964.
“We took groups of friends and carried out community projects in remote villages,” she said. ‘’This led to involvement in the Western Colorado Friends of the Himalayas non-profit of which I am part of a close team that carries out a diverse number of humanitarian projects in more remote areas.
“I have worked with Sherpa families and assisted their transition to the US where they have led successful lives and the children have gone on to higher education.”
A report of Valerie’s wedding – held at St John’s Church with the Rev. V M Spencer Ellis – was published in the Keswick Reminder on April 12, 1968, and said: “As she left the church she was presented with three horseshoes, a bride doll, wooden spoon, lucky black cat, and an old boot, by friends and relatives and by the children of St. John’s School where she has been teaching.”
