A FORMER Leigh teacher has died at the age of 92.

Lillian Davies, nee Sankey, one half of a formidable teaching team, started her career at Bedford Church School.

She met her husband, fellow teacher Howard Davies, while they were both taking part in Bedford Church Operatic Society productions.

They married in 1935 and had two daughters, Gwyneth and Rosalind.

After taking a break to bring up her family, Mrs Davies taught at Leigh Parish Church school and later at Butts CE Junior School, where her husband became head and she was his deputy.

Daughter Gwyenth said: "They were a great team and had the same firm ideals of discipline, high standards to aim for, tempered with good humour and a sense of fun and enjoyment of life."

After they retired in 1968 they returned to teach part-time at Leigh CE High School.

But full retirement brought them new friends, caravanning in North Wales, and they became expert amateur wine makers and founder members of Atherton Wine Circle.

They celebrated both their golden and diamond anniversaries at their daughter's home in Wendover, where they moved to live 10 years ago. Mr Davies died in 1997.

Gwyneth said: "Although they enjoyed being with their family they both missed Leigh and seeing the many people they had taught while out together in town."

Mrs Davies' funeral took place in Wendover on Tuesday.

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