Anne Ward (5.12.36 – 31.5.25) studied at Bury Grammar School from 1947 to 1954, graduated from the University of Reading and had a successful career working in museums across the north of England. Her first role at Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham, saw her assisting the director Dr Frank Atkinson in collecting original items for the foundation of award-winning Beamish Museum. Originally from Prestwich, Anne lived most of her life in Shipley, Yorkshire, and was latterly Keeper at Bolling Hall, Bradford, with a particular interest in historical clothing, textiles and embroidery. A Soroptimist and churchgoer, Anne was passionate about social justice and the power of education. Her schooldays shaped her life. She kept in contact with BGS head Miss Perigo and was a loving and beloved godmother to the daughters of two schoolfriends. 

Anne died, aged 88, in May 2025.