Elizabeth Evans (née Onley) – 8s 53-60

lizabeth Evans (née Onley)

In 1953 Elizabeth was awarded a Barnes Wallis scholarship to Christ’s Hospital, sponsored partially by the RAF Benevolent Fund. She started in Ward 5 at the age of 11. She was a brilliant violinist from an early age, and never had any doubt that her career would be in music. However, she was multi-talented and also excelled at all sports, particularly cricket, hockey, and swimming, and created beautiful art works and handicrafts of various kinds.

After leaving Christ’s Hospital Elizabeth continued her violin training at the Royal College of Music where she won several prizes, and she subsequently studied for a year under Max Rostal in Switzerland.  She performed professionally for many years, appearing in many London venues including Sadler’s Wells and the Royal Opera House.

In later years she immersed herself in Woking local politics. Along with many other contributions she acted as a convener for the Working Women’s Charter Campaign during the women’s movement in the 1970s; served as Councillor for Maybury & Sheerwater between 1999 and 2007; and was a longstanding Officer holding various positions on the Executive Committee of the Woking Labour Party.

For those of us who knew Elizabeth from the start at CH, the early memories of her will never fade. She was so accomplished in many areas but never conceited or arrogant, always friendly and welcoming to others.  Her energy was boundless and she was well-known among her schoolmates as someone who was always intent on doing as much as possible every minute of the day.  We will always remember her with love and respect and will miss her very much.

Submitted by Terry Perlis (née Brown), Susan Bain (née Stanley), and Caroline Evans (née Butler).