School's songs for Sarah

A SCHOOL musical opened its run this week with performances dedicated to a talented music teacher who had inspired pupils taking part.Sarah Douglas, 37, should have been playing saxophone in the orchestra pit for the three-night run of Grease, but she died five days before the opening night, after battling cancer.

A SCHOOL musical opened its run this week with performances dedicated to a talented music teacher who had inspired pupils taking part.

Sarah Douglas, 37, should have been playing saxophone in the orchestra pit for the three-night run of Grease, but she died five days before the opening night, after battling cancer.

The school and her family paid tributes to the mother-of-one that had loved working with children since her own young days as a Sunday school teacher, and later brought music into the lives of pupils at four local schools.

Mrs Douglas had been a part-time music teacher at Uplands Middle School, Sudbury for four years, and for many years appeared in the orchestra supporting the annual musical production at the school.

Prior to Tuesday's opening performance, Uplands head Philip Illsley paid tribute to his former colleague.

He said: "Although Sarah taught only two days a week, she made a tremendous impact in the school. Sarah was a lovely person and an inspiration to pupils.

"We feel it is a fitting tribute to dedicate this week's musical performance to her memory, and later the school will be considering creating a memorial garden in the grounds."

Mrs Douglas lived with her husband Ian and six-year-old son Charlie in Acton, where she spent most of her younger life, attending the village primary school, before moving on to All Saints Middle School, Sudbury, and the town's upper school.

Her funeral was due to be at All Saints Church, Acton, at 3.15 pm today.>