School governor Gerald Orbell who made ‘significant contribution’ to countless young lives in Newbury dies at 93

A Wash Common man who made significant contributions to education in Newbury has died, aged 93.

Gerald ‘Gerry’ Orbell, born in March, Cambridgeshire, died on Monday, March 17. He leaves behind his wife Juno Orbell, 91, and three grown-up children.

Mr Orbell had a lifelong interest in education and leadership.

As vice chair of governors, he was instrumental in relocating Newbury College from Oxford Road to its current campus off Monks Lane in September 2002.

But he is perhaps best remembered for managing the closure of Turnpike and Shaw House Schools and the creation of a new school called ‘Trinity’ – symbolising the three-way partnership between both schools and West Berkshire Council.

But the merger was considered controversial by some at the time.

In 1993, redevelopment plans threatened to close the Turnpike School in Gaywood Drive.

Mr Orbell, a governor since 1985, led an alliance of staff, parents and pupils who were opposed to the plans.

He supervised extensive governors meetings and one-to-one discussions with parents.

He wanted all pupils to receive a suitable education, regardless of class or social standing, and feared that children in Thatcham would lose out.

Other proposals were heard including building a new school at Thatcham and merging at Turnpike.

But in the end, West Berkshire Council’s education committee settled on merging close to Shaw House in July 1998.

Trinity School opened in Love Lane in September 1999. Mr Orbell served as chair of governors for several years.

He was presented a ‘Public Servant of the Year’ award in London for his drive and commitment.

Mr Orbell also stood for the Labour Party in the Falkland Ward by-election in 1989.

Before entering education, Mr Orbell retired from a long illustrious career in British Rail in 1987, which he joined at 16.

He also lectured at Templeton College, Oxford.

Outside of work, he chaired Newbury U3A and Newbury National Trust.

He married his wife Juno in 1957. The couple were married for more than 67 years until Mr Orbell’s death.

They had lived in the same house at Wash Common since 1971.

Reflecting on her husband’s life and achievements, Mrs Orbell, a retired teacher, said: “We met at Ruskin College [in Oxford]. And then we married.

“He was always interested in people achieving their potential and always thought people should have opportunities.

“He had an ethos of serving the community. He felt that was what you should do if you have the ability.

“He never forced his views onto people. He was a great persuader. But at the same time, he always let people have the chance in meetings and committees to say their piece.

“Everybody liked him. He had a wonderful smile and he always gave a lot of time to his children.

“He was also very keen that women should always be regarded equally.”

​Trinity School headteacher Charlotte Wilson said: “Bringing together two schools to create a new school was testament to his hard work and vision in creating a school where everyone could succeed.

“Gerry laid the foundations for Trinity today. His legacy is evident in our school motto of ‘personal excellence and collective responsibility’, as well as our commitment and strength in performing arts.”

A private funeral will be held for Mr Orbell at West Berkshire Crematorium on Tuesday, April 15.