Heather Margaret Williams Obituary
Heather Margaret Williams (1928–2026) was born in Sutton Coldfield to Ernest and Margaret, who chose Dartington Hall School for their children because of its progressive, humane approach to education. Heather entered the school in 1936 and thrived in its creative environment, studying piano, violin and eventually the oboe, while also developing a lifelong love of sewing. She fondly remembered riding to school on horseback and valued the school’s culture of equality between teachers and pupils.
At 16 she became a student of Imogen Holst, whose early music course at Dartington shaped Heather’s musical life. She later studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and then in Amsterdam with Haakon Stotijn. In 1951 she returned to the UK to become Principal Oboist of the Scottish National Orchestra, where she met and married clarinettist Tim Ormerod; their son Michael was born in Glasgow.
After the couple separated, Heather returned to Dartington in 1959 to teach oboe at both the school and the College of Arts, becoming an important presence in the community. She also played regularly at the Dartington Summer School, especially enjoying performances with Sir Neville Marriner’s Academy of St Martin in the Fields.
Heather’s creative interests extended to textiles; she learned tie-dyeing techniques while working with artist Susan Bosence. She later married Bill Elmhirst, forming lasting friendships through the connection. In the 1980s she co-founded Aubade, a trio of oboists.
Upon retiring from music, Heather became a silversmith, training with Sue Robinson and working for over twenty years at a Slapton-based workshop. Influenced by artists including Alfred Wallis and supported by mentor Breon O’Casey, she developed a distinctive style, becoming a member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen and selling her jewellery nationally.
Deeply generous and supportive, Heather offered guidance, sanctuary and kindness to many. Heather, uniquely creative and always herself, will be sadly missed. She is survived by her son Michael, daughter-in-law, two granddaughters and three great-grandchildren.
