Frederick THURLOW (c. 1845- )

Gertrude Alice THURLOW (1875- ). Gertrude was born on 13 Oct 1875 in Diss, Norfolk.^1,2 She appeared in the census in 1881 at Mount Street in Diss - 5, scholar, living withy parents Frederick (30, brush maker) and Hannah (34).³ She appeared in the census in 1891 at Sunnyside Villas Mount Street in Diss - 15, pupil teacher, living with parents Frederick (46, brush manufacturer foreman) and Hannah (44), and brother Ernest E (8, scholar).⁴ She appeared in the census in 1901 at Sunnyside Mount Street in Diss - 25, school mistress, living with parents Frederick (50, brush boring hand) and Hannah (52), and brother Ernest E (18, auctioneer's clerk).⁵ She appeared in the census in 1911 at Mount Street in Diss - 35, assistant schoolmistress, living with parents Frederick (60, brushmaker) and Hannah (63), and brother Ernest E (28, clerk).⁶ In 1931 the Electoral Register showed her living at Sunnyside, Diss, Norfolk - living with parents Frederick and Hannah, and brother Ernest. On 5 Oct 1934 there was a newspaper report: The Diss Express gave the following account:

"A TEACHER FOR 45 YEARS

Miss Gertrude Alice Thurlow has retired after 45 years service as a teacher at the Girls Council School, and on Friday shw was presented with a gold watch to mark her retirement. Miss Thurlow was educated at the school, so she has been connected with it practically the whole of her life, and during her teaching career she has missed only two week's service.

Mr. G. Handel Jones (manager) presided at the ceremony, supported by Mrs. A. Brame and Miss D. Hammond (managers). Mrs. D. Smith (deputy headmistress), Mr. J. H. Cushing (headmaster, boy's department), Miss Law, Mrs. A. D. Maling and other members of the staff.

Mr. Jones said that as a manager he was proud to associate himself with an event which had unique features. They had been called together, scholars, staff, and managers to show their tangible appreciation and to express their good wished to Miss Thurlow. They had always admired her faithful service and the reliable way in which she had carried out her arduous duties.

Mrs. Brame said how sorry they all were to part with Miss Thurlow. They hoped her well-earned rest would be a long one and full of health and happiness.

Mr. Cushing, who added a tribute on behalf of the boy's department, said Miss Thurlow was the first to welcome him when he arrived at the school, and he was very sorry to lose such a friend.

Miss Law on behalf of the infant's department, thanked Miss Thurlow for her loyal co-operation.

Mrs. Smith said she was sorry that Miss Reeve (head mistress) could not be with them owing to indisposition.

The presentation of the gold wristlet watch and an autographed book containing the signatures of all the subscribers, was then made to Miss Thurlow as a token of affection and esteem by the managers, staff and scholars past and present, of the Diss Council School.

Miss Thurlow, in reply, said that during her 45 years she had always worked harmoniously with the staff and she was very sorry to leave them all."

Gertrude was recorded on the 1939 Register living at 7 Sunnyside in Diss. - School mistress (retired), b. 13.10.1875, living with brother Ernest E (57, agricultural auctioneers and estate agents managing clerk).¹

Ernest E THURLOW (1882- ). Ernest was born on 11 Aug 1882.