It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Helen Lunt, teacher of Classics at Bury Grammar School from 1970 to 2003.

A much-loved teacher by her colleagues and pupils alike, the 2002-03 BGS Girl’s magazine recounted how ‘Miss Lunt always brought her love for Classics into the classroom and over the years inspired many students to continue their study of Latin and Classical Civilization.’

Upon her retirement from the school as Head of Classics in 2003, she was described as having ‘many wonderful qualities – a great sense of humour, a lively story-telling style and an amazing ability to translate any piece of tricky latin thrust under her nose […] patience and generosity are two other qualities she has shown in abundance at BGS!’

For the alumni that were fortunate to be taught by Miss Lunt, they will no doubt fondly remember her many school trips to France, Holland and Greece, for which she ‘gave so much of her own holidays for the good of the girls’ and for many were described as ‘a highlight of their school careers’.

Our thoughts are with Helen’s family and friends at this very sad time. We are forever thankful for Helen’s part in our school history, which will live in the memories of the alumni she taught.

A requiem funeral mass (about 1 hour) will be held at St. Joseph’s RC Church, Todmorden at 1.30pm on Friday 17th May followed by a short service at Burnley Crematorium at 3:15pm and a celebration of her life at Todmorden Cricket Club from where hot food and refreshments will be provided.

The family have requested no flowers please, though donations can be made in person and there will be an online link as soon as they are able. Donations will be shared among a number of Helen’s favourite charities.

Please RSVP to nephew James (claxton.j.a@gmail.com) if you wish to attend so that they have a measure of expected numbers.  Additionally, the family welcomes any tributes, memories or stories you may have about Helen.  Please let the family know as they would love to collect them all. You can write your thoughts online at https://helenlunt.muchloved.com or share with the family privately. There will also be a book of remembrance to write in on the day.