2000 School Magazine

DR JOAN WINIFRED ALLSOP AM

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With the death of Dr Allsop, BGGS lost an important friend, benefactor and link to its early history. After commencing her education at the Sherwood State School in 1926 Joan entered the school her mother, Elmede, and her aunt, Marion Reinhold, had attended at the turn of the last century. At Grammar she won many prizes including the Phyllis Hobbs Memorial Prize and in her last year the Lady Lilley Medal, the VI Form Prize and the Wight Memorial Medal (a medal her aunt had also won in 1899). The piano was to continue to provide her with a constant source of pleasure. Joan graduated BA from the University of Queensland in 1934 with 1st class honours and then MA followed by BEd. in 1943. A Fullbright Scholarship in 1957 provided the opportunity for her to become the first Australian to gain a higher degree in adult education - and it was in this field that she found her particular interest and continued this work for the

loon Akop, front row fifth from left

remainder of her life. She also gave her services to a variety of voluntary and civic organizations, including the BGGSOGA where she served as both Hon. Secretary Treasurer and as President in 1941. in 1981 Dr Allsop was awarded an AM

WINIFRED ALICE (FREDA) FREEMAN

Freda Freeman (nee Oxnam), a former student of BGGS, died in June this year aged 95 years' After attending BGGS, she continued on to the University of Queensland where she became friendly with Louise Crooks who later became Head Mistress of BGGS. The two women, who both graduated with Bachelor of Science Degrees, were among the earliest female graduates from this faculty. Freda Oxnam married Eric Freeman, a prominent engineer, in 1927 and they had four children. During World War Two, Mrs Freeman taught at BGGS and subsequently was involved in a number of areas of public life. She was the President of the National Council of Women (Qld. ); a foundation member of the Queensland Parole Board;a member of the University of Queensland Senate and President of the Queensland Association of University Womenshe was also one of the founders of the academic gown hire scheme at the University of Queensland which has provided

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FFedo Freeman, back row second from left

funding for scholarships at the post-graduate level. Mrs Freeman's distinguished career and her involvement in women's affairs in Brisbane, serves as a wonderful role model for girls seeking to achieve in academic and public life.