It is with sadness that we report the passing of former member of staff Audrey Seager, who died peacefully at the North Devon Hospice on 9th July.

Her time at West Buckland School was beautifully captured by RC Tibble in the 09-10 edition of the school magazive, The 3 Rs, to mark her retirement:

Audrey and lan took up the lead houseparent role in 1997, taking over from Tony and Wendy Evans. Audrey had never run a boarding house before and luckily no-one had warned her how challenging it is, or she might never have accepted the post! Audrey and lan quickly threw themselves into the role, supported by a variety of assistant houseparents and house tutors.

The most enduring housemate has been Jan Hemus, with whom Audrey has enjoyed a fantastic working relationship, full of some lows but mainly highs. There have been so many times when the two of them have dressed up for an occasion such as Halloween and been barely recognisable. Looking after well over forty boys brings with it many challenges, particularly as a female member of staff. How do you turn a blind-eye to a half-naked boy walking along a corridor? Instead of shying away from any of these challenges, Audrey and Jan embraced them, creating the boxer short run (crack of dawn dash around school wearing very little except a pair of boxers and a big grin, then back to the house to enjoy hot chocolate).

Audrey has organised countless social occasions such as the Pirates and Princesses party and 'Boyer's Got Talent'. She has spearheaded fundraising events supporting charities such as 'Send a Cow'. She will be remembered as the boys' surrogate 'Mum' during their time in Boyer with much affection and a great deal of respect. She has been generous with her time and has made a huge contribution to the family atmosphere that the boarding community enjoys. 

Audrey retired in 2010 and moved to France with Ian. The couple returned to live in North Devon in 2018, settling in Roundswell in 2020. Audrey leaves her husband Ian and a son, Neil, from a previous marriage, whose family she was so proud of.