Archive #56/65: Mrs J.L. Dann, 1962 - 2007

Mrs Dann’s period of employment spanned five Rectors and represents four decades of service and efficiency. During her time at Lindisfarne, Mrs Dann saw the college grow from a staff of just 12 and a student body of only 151 boarders and watched technology evolve dramatically from typewriters to laptops.

Mrs Dann was the first point of contact for anyone visiting the college and was a font of knowledge for staff. She knew the names of legions of boys over the years and was always interested in what they were doing after they left school. For many years Mrs Dann worked alone in the front office coping with a vast array of administrative tasks and was gradually reinforced by other staff as the College grew.

In his tribute to her after her 25 years, the Rector, Mr Smith, at a gathering attended by four Rectors and four Council Chairmen, said this about her outstanding contribution:

"Mrs Dann has an instant recall and an ability to remember boys and their families. There seems to be an intuitive sixth sense that she possesses, which gives her an ability to know what is going on, what is happening and often what is about to happen! She also has an instinctive feel about people that always seems to be correct. Mrs Dann has so many fine qualities: the speed of her typing; her telephone manner; the non-acceptance of anything except the highest of standards in her work and setting out; her sense of humour; the way she enjoys a good joke or a good Doug Storkey story; her neatness of appearance; her attention to detail; her absolute friendliness and her pleasant, outgoing personality.”

When Mrs Dann, finally left in 2007 to enjoy her hard earned retirement, Mr Francis who had known her since he was a Year 9 school boy said to Mrs Dann:

“You have been hugely important and supportive in my life at Lindisfarne. You have been a part of us all, young and old, male and female, through your patience, help, advice and guidance and keeping us honest. You speak your mind and stand up for what you believe. You have enriched Lindisfarne and helped create what we see today.”

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