Audrey Young was a Headmaster’s wife and awesome role model for all.

Although I only met Audrey three times, I feel, through her work on Langley School and Hall she left an indelible mark on me. It has been my pleasure to learn more of her through Icenians and here are a few fitting tributes from those who knew her far better than I.  

Words by Chris Hodgson ('72):

"I was very sad to hear of Audrey Young’s passing, I had quite a lot of contact with her during my time at Langley and was always really pleased to see her at various School functions over the years, she sat with my family during the 100th year celebrations of Langley School, great to see her. (Subsequently she sent me a copy of the CD of the cine films she took and narrated with Teddy Hunt recording life at Langley....hearing her voice on the CD brings back memories).

It is well known that Langley during the late sixties and early seventies was a very different place than it is today but it was still a really great place for developing talents that individuals had whether that be in their studies, on the playing fields or in one of the many school clubs. Langley was a place in which character and personalities could develop flourish. Like most organisations the whole atmosphere and ethos of the place filters down from the leadership, of Langley School in this case. 

CDY and Audrey set the tone of life at Langley, they both had a natural authority, yes there were rules (perhaps a good idea not to break too many of them!) but Langley was well run and a fair and safe place, the staff and prefects took their lead from the example set by CDY and Audrey. 

 In my junior years at Langley we had a Junior Literary Club that Audrey ran, she held it in her flat or in the Library, it was during prep, and hot dogs were brought up from the kitchen for us....a real treat, we read and reviewed books and read multi part plays so all could participate, and then we had a general discussion of what we had read, I particularly remember the 'Importance of being Earnest'.  Trust me, we were no angels but her kindness and guidance brought out the best in all of us, the JLC was a highlight for me. As a prefect we were all on a rota to read the Gospel in our daily chapel services. I remember having to run through the readings in her house, she taught me to project and read effectively; I have spent years as a Church Warden in our church, her advice is still remembered today! Audrey was dedicated to Langley, she oversaw the kitchen and cleaning staff and of the ordering and the provision of school meals, no easy task as the kitchen was a long way from the dining rooms and all cooking was done on 2 solid fuel Esses (Arga's) she was undoubtably an accomplished organizer.  

She led a life well - lived, may she rest in peace and God bless her."