Education Centre renamed in honour of Ann Maquire
The Education Centre at the Mansion in Roundhay Park has been renamed in honour of murdered Leeds teacher Ann Maquire.
Leeds City Council leader Coun Judith Blake said: “I’m sure that everyone here knows that Ann devoted more than 40 years – her entire career as a teacher – to encouraging, inspiring, supporting and improving the lives of generations of children and young people in Leeds.” She added: “Tragically, Ann’s life was taken prematurely two-and-a-half years ago. The council wanted to pay tribute to Ann’s outstanding career, which has enriched the lives of thousands of citizens. “We are very grateful to Ann’s family for sharing with us Ann’s deep affection for Roundhay Park, and we all agreed that renaming this centre in Ann’s name would be fitting and appropriate.” Mrs Maguire’s sister Denise Courtney said: “We are now very privileged to have a permanent and lasting memorial that recognises Ann’s commitment and passion for educating young people in the city of Leeds. “It will continue her legacy of supporting young children to achieve their full potential in the years to come. “For everyone of us here who knew her personally, We now have a place where we can remember her and celebrate her life, reflect on the difference she made to each and every one of us and embrace in the joy and happiness she brought to each of us.”
A plaque was unveiled at the centre bearing a photopgraph of Mrs Maguire and the message: “The aim of this centre is to continue Ann’s passion for enriching the lives of children through educaton, the arts, nature, and the outdoors in a place she loved: Roundhay Park. It was Ann’s firm belief that with the right support and encouragement all children can achieve their full potential and realise their hopes and dreams.”