Pauline Brace, who many old girls from KEHS will remember fondly as Miss Meanley-Smith, died in January this year, aged 95.
She was born in Edgbaston in 1928 and grew up with some significant health issues and without a father from the age of nine, circumstances – she always said – that helped her ‘grab hold of life and not let go’. This attitude drove her to take a huge opportunity (or risk!) in 1955 when she sailed to America for a 12-month teacher exchange. The experience began a deep transatlantic family friendship that is just as strong today – an example of Pauline’s ability to befriend and inspire everyone she met.
Pauline honed her teaching skills at KEHS, which she joined in 1960 to teach History and English with a focus on the latter. She taught under two headmistresses – Miss Lloyd Williams and Miss Wilks – and under Head of English, Kate Flint.
Fellow English teacher, Janet Cockin (nee Lister), remembered Pauline welcoming her to the school when she joined the staff on a teacher training term:
“That moment began a friendship that has lasted to this day and has meant so very much to me,” said Janet. “I knew Pauline was not just an extremely good teacher but also a brilliant organiser and always got on with everyone. I was therefore delighted when KEHS offered me a full-time position, partly because I knew I would be teaching with Pauline.”
Pauline was soon promoted to the Second Mistress (Deputy Head) role in 1963, which demanded a lot of organisation and communication, both of which she excelled at. She was also the organiser of the annual Junior Drama Festival, which allowed her to shine as an amateur director.
Pauline married Keith Brace in 1964. He was the Literary Editor of the Birmingham Post at that time. She left in 1967 to have her only son, Matthew, who was born in September that year.
Outside school, she was a regular at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham, acting in and directing plays. Among others, she directed Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost and Arthur Miller’s All My Sons. She was also an amateur actor at the Birmingham Rep, sharing the stage with – among others – Paul Eddington (The Good Life and Yes, Minister).
Pauline played an important part in many pupils’ lives during their school years and long after. She will be deeply missed by very many people.
Matt Brace (son)
