Tribute paid to the 'soul of Moulton Chapel Primary School'

‘The soul of Moulton Chapel Primary School’ is how a dedicated secretary and volunteer has been described following her death.

Tributes have been paid to Linda Tatam, who died on May 18, aged 81.

Mrs Tatam gave more than 50 years of service to the school and its pupils.

Along with her work as a secretary, Mrs Tatam was also a lunch time supervisor and a voluntary teaching assistant during her time.

Her hard work did not just stop at the village school as Mrs Tatam was also involved with the Moulton Chapel Tulip Parade by designing and building the school’s float. She also created mosiacs for the tulip festival.

Retired head teacher Geoff Palmer has paid tribute to the lady he dubbed as the ‘soul’ of the school.

Mr Palmer, who had worked with Mrs Tatam for many years, said: “Linda was a constant in the life of Moulton Chapel School. When I became headteacher she was secretary, cleaner/caretaker, midday supervisor and teaching assistant.

“Many Moulton Chapel children will be grateful for her help in learning to read. She worked with the younger children for many years and, after she had officially retired, she returned to work with the older children in their art lessons – a subject she particularly enjoyed.

“The school put on many productions in the tiny hall and Linda spent many hours painting the stage sets and backdrops as well as making props.

“She was involved in all aspects of school life and was busy with Friends of the School, volunteering for all the social activities. She was well known for running the White Elephant stall at the village fete, making pancakes at the Valentine’s/Pancake disco and helping at the barbecue at the village Bonfire Night.

“Linda was respected by all. She went into Spalding twice a week on the bus and often told us that she had met ex-pupils in town or on the bus who always greeted her, even if she no longer recognised them as they had changed so much. She was always ‘Mrs Tatam’ to them.

“She was a kind, helpful lady with a good sense of humour, the soul of Moulton Chapel School for so many years.”

Former chairman of the Tuliptime committee Coun Eddy Poll has also paid tribute to Mrs Tatam.

He said: “She was a stalwart of the village. The effort she put into the school and all the other village organisations was tremendous. “

Mrs Tatam was born in Uxbridge, in June 1939.

She had spent the early part of her life in Streatham, South London.

After leaving school, she went onto work as a shorthand typist for Bowaters in Knightsbridge.

Mrs Tatam was introduced to her future husband, Harold, who was known as Hal, by family connections.

The couple hit it off and were married in St James Church, Moulton Chapel, in August 1960, where Hal was living.

Their son Steve was born in 1961.

Initially they lived in Cekhira Av enue before moving to Crown Cottages in 1968.

Not only was Mrs Tatam involved with the school and tulip parade but she also volunteered with the village’s junior youth club.

Her son Steve hopes that other people in the village will continue Mrs Tatam’s good work by supporting the various organisations.

She died in Peterborough Hospital on May 18. A private funeral will be held at South Lincolnshire Crematorium.