A former Wirral dance teacher is celebrating a significant milestone this week and her remarkable impact has not been forgotten by one of her ‘honoured’ ex-students.
Hilary Griffith (nee Dickinson) turns 101 on February 11. Although now living in Plas Hafan in Nefyn, she was originally from Birkenhead and taught in Lourdes Hall in Rock Ferry before moving around various Wirral venues including Thingwall recreation centre, Heswall Hall and Upton Village. She used to charge a shilling per dance lesson.
Her story was brought to the Globe’s attention by 72-year-old Joyce Mercer (nee Bibby) who started being taught to dance when she was 10.
Mrs Mercer lavished unconditional praise on her former teacher.
She said “Everybody called her Miss Hilary. Although she never had any children on her own, she taught thousands of children and some of them won’t be here now.
"I think she started teaching when she was about 14. I won a scholarship to ballet school in London, all through that woman.
"Miss Hilary sent pupils to the finest of full time schools. When your application went in you had to audition to obtain admittance.
"I obtained a place at Bush Davies but I didn't have to audition. Miss Hilary's reputation was so outstanding that if the application had her name on it, that was enough.
“She was just the epitome of grace and kindness. A life well lived. She deserves to still be here.”
Mrs Mercer suffered tragedy when her five-year-old son, David, died of Leukaemia and with her grief-stricken husband unable to work, it was Miss Hilary who helped the couple overcome their heart-breaking loss.
In tribute to Mrs Mercer’s son, the dance teacher bought a large silver trophy and named it the David Mercer cup.
It was awarded each year to the girl who had demonstrated the most effort.
Mrs Mercer added: “My mother used to the say to me, you’re the only girl I know who was born to two mothers. I carried you and that one has been your mother.
"Miss Hilary possesses all of the finest attributes that can be found in a human being. As beautiful to look at as she is to know.
“I think or hope that because of how wonderful she’s been, that’s why she’s still going. She is absolutely amazing.
“When they tell you on Strictly ‘keep dancing’ they’re right aren’t they!”
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