It is with sadness we learn of the death of Ruth Bellord, School Secretary from 1975-2000. Many Old Bordenians who remember Bryan Short will also remember “Mrs Bellord” from when they had to go to the secretary’s office.
In her quarter-century of service to the School, she processed much of the administration that was the underpinning of your education at Borden, and knew you or your siblings at School better than you ever could have realised.
Outside of the School, Ruth continued to be an active member of the community, including at Hartlip Village Hall, the Sittingbourne Bridge Club and the Sittingbourne Gardeners & Flower Arrangers Society.
These words from Ruth’s Daughter, Elizabeth Froy:
“My mother, Ruth Bellord, who worked at Borden Grammar as secretary for 25 years having started in about 1975, died on 23 June 2021. Her years at Borden Grammar were among her happiest years, as she loved the atmosphere and camaraderie of the school. Her final 17 months were spent at a care home near me (Elizabeth, aka Bunt) near Cambridge. She had dementia and was very confused about her whereabouts, to such an extent that she thought she was back at Borden Grammar again. She had a great fondness for Bryan Short, and retired from the school at the same time that he also retired. I think she will be remembered for her organisational skills and wicked and irreverent sense of humour, and that she cycled to school from Hartlip in all weathers. She was very grateful to Bryan Short for him appointing her as secretary at a difficult time in her life, and always spoke about his steady, gentle manner.”
It is wonderful that, in her latter days, Ruth was able to drift back into happy times and memories of the School and, no doubt, of the many boys who occupied her time there.
Our condolences go to her family, friends and those who benefited from knowing her.
Sweet Dreams.