"I belong here" - tribute to headteacher who devoted her life to the children of Oldham

Oldham has lost one of its most devoted educators with the death of Mavis Clegg at 92. The former headteacher, who led Eustace Street and Glodwick Infants schools in the 1970s and 1980s, turned down opportunities to work in wealthier areas, insisting 'I belong here.

Mrs Clegg's influence stretched far beyond her classrooms. She and husband Brian ran Christ Church Glodwick youth club, chaired governors at two local schools, and volunteered at Royal Oldham Hospital. Many teachers she mentored went on to become heads and deputies themselves.

Born and bred in Oldham, Mrs Clegg attended Clarksfield School and Hulme Grammar School for Girls before training in Scarborough. She began her career at Alt Primary, Alexandra Infants and Fitton Hill Infants schools, always choosing to serve her hometown's children rather than seek easier posts elsewhere.

Away from education, she was a familiar face at Boundary Park, travelling to Wembley twice to support Oldham Athletic. She found joy in gardening and meeting friends through the Hey Ladies' Society.

Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said her 'compassion, strength and unwavering belief in every child's potential' would continue to influence the borough. She died leaving a legacy visible in generations of Oldham children who learned to read under her watchful eye.