Freda Cheetham, a former English teacher at Longdendale secondary school in Hollingworth, Greater Manchester, has died at the age of 93. She was known for inspiring students who were considered difficult to engage, and later specialised in helping children with special needs before retiring in 1982.
Early Life and Career
Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, Freda was the daughter of Fred Kenworthy, a cotton spinner, and Annie (nee Jones). After attending Ashton grammar school, she left at 16 in 1948 to become a trainee journalist on the Ashton-under-Lyne Reporter. She later moved to London to work on various trade journals before giving up journalism to return north and train as a teacher at Alsager College in Cheshire.
Teaching and Farming
In 1957, she married Leslie Cheetham, a tenant farmer in Mottram-in-Longdendale. She taught for 25 years at Longdendale secondary school until her retirement. From the 1970s, Freda also managed a horse business at the farm, which faced constant threats from landlords seeking to sell the land for development. She fought off several eviction notices, but the home remained insecure until the farm could eventually be purchased. It is still run by family members today.
Later Life and Activism
After retiring, Freda served as a governor at Arundale primary school in Mottram and was an active member of the Stalybridge and Hyde Labour party. She raised funds for Yorkshire miners during the 1984-85 strike and participated in early anti-nuclear demonstrations in the 1950s, later protesting at Greenham Common in Berkshire.
Adventurous Spirit
In her younger days, Freda was a keen rock climber and was proud to have gone on expeditions with the celebrated mountaineer Don Whillans. She was also an avid traveller and spoke fluent French.
Leslie died in 1996. Freda is survived by her children, Lesley and her son, five grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.
