We write to share the sad news that Anne Ferguson OBE, Emeritus Governor of St Mary’s Calne and St Margaret’s Prep, passed away earlier last month.

Whilst many of you may not have had the opportunity to meet her, we as a community are deeply grateful for the steady hand, wisdom, and unwavering support she offered our schools over the past 30 years. Her exceptional contribution has left an indelible mark on both institutions, shaping the path we walk today.

Her obituary below is shared by her husband Victor.

Anne Ferguson (nee Smellie), June 3 1942 - September 3 2025

Anne was born in Calne and went to  St.Margaret's in 1947 and then to St.Mary’s.  She left in 1960 and went to Bristol University to read Geography where she gained a B.A honours degree.  Anne met Victor in 1963 when she joined Imperial Chemical Industries Paints Division and they were married in 1964.  From their wedding reception they went to Lagos, Nigeria for three years where Victor’s promotion took them, stopping off in Rome for their honeymoon. Anne taught Common Entrance pupils in St.Saviours, a Christian Trust missionary school in Ebute Metta in Lagos. On returning to the UK she rejoined ICI Paints. Moving into Marketing she headed up the team that masterminded  a successful launch of ‘Tints of White’ in 1982.  

She then moved to Group Head Quarters as Head of Corporate Publicity and Sponsorship playing a lead role in ‘World Class’ campaign, marketing the Group Company worldwide.

As a result she was voted Marketing Woman of the Year in 1989 by the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

On the demerger of ICI Pharmaceuticals Division she was a lead member of the team launching a new company which was to become a leading pharmaceutical company, Zeneca, now known as Astra Zeneca.

An invitation to join the Government’s Advisory Committee on advertising followed, then becoming its Chairman.

Appointed OBE in the 1993 new Year’s Honours List she received her decoration from the late Queen Elizabeth 11 at an investiture in Buckingham Palace in 1994.

Anne became a Governor of St.Marys in 1995 and was made a Governor Emeritus in 2013 in recognition of her contribution to the School.

Anne retired from ICI in 1995 and joined Spencer Stuart, a Global executive search and leadership consulting firm in 1996.She  also held non-executive Directorships in Cornwall Parker, Capital Radio and National Power at this time.

Her most cherished invitation was to deliver the address on the 135th Founder’s Day Commemoration Service in June 2008 from the pulpit of St.Mary’s Church where she was baptised, confirmed and married.

Anne and Victor travelled extensively on business and privately, crossing every line of longitude and latitude. The highlight being exploring Antarctica in a Russian ice breaker, standing in Scott’s Hut and seeing the huge rookeries of Emperor and King Penguins. They loved visiting all the famous Opera Houses and Golf courses.

Anne’s hobbies included golfing, gardening, bridge as well as reading with her book club friends.  She was a much loved Aunt to numerous nieces and nephews and loved spending time with her sister Barbara and her many friends.