LONG-serving junior school teacher and amateur actress Barbara Fox, née Jewell, died peacefully on December 30, aged 94.

Educated at Bournemouth School for Girls and Portsmouth Training College, Mrs Fox taught at Kingsleigh Junior School in Bournemouth for 34 years.

She enthused her pupils with her own love of spoken English and theatre, teaching two generations of many local families during her time there.

After completing her training as a teacher in 1940 she spent two years doing supply work before joining the staff of St John’s School, Boscombe, where she remained for four years.

In 1946 she joined East Howe Junior School, which was later renamed Kingsleigh.

During her years there she used her love and knowledge of drama to foster interest in the theatre among the children, and she was responsible for producing many of the school plays.

A member of Bournemouth Little Theatre Club, Mrs Fox appeared in many performances herself and also worked backstage for amateur dramatics productions on Brownsea Island and elsewhere in the town.

She retired in 1980, and used the opportunity to develop her involvement with the theatre club and others.

At the time, she was described as “a lady of real quality and distinction”, who was hard working, conscientious, loyal, friendly and helpful, by former colleagues at the school.

Her husband Basil, an accountant and keen gardener, pre-deceased her.

Mrs Fox died at Queensmount Nursing Home. A funeral service will take place at Bournemouth Crematorium on Thursday, February 5, at 2.15pm.