D26.3

Helena Catherine Ranson nee Goult Helena Ranson nee Goult was born on 20 June 1937 in Jerusalem, where her father was in the Palestinian Police Force and her mother was a missionary nurse. She was the elder daughter of Cyril Cecil and Ena Phyllis Goult nee Buckley (B 14.5 ). The family moved to Coventry in 1947 and she studied at Lyng Hall School and Queen Mary College, London. An inspirational teacher of English and Drama at Ernesford Grange and Binley Park schools in Coventry, she frequently read the lesson at Stoneleigh Church and was married to Stewart Ranson there in June 1973. In discussion with her, one of the designs by the "Stoneleigh Stitchers" for a cushion in the church was based on a Jerusalem Cross, together with her favourite flowers worked in the style of William Morris. After her death on 12 June 1995 a Memorial Trust was set up in her name with the aim of supporting the education of disadvantaged students and encouraging the arts in the local community. An anthology of her poetry and paintings was published in 2007, called Survivor Moon. She was buried on 19 June 1995. Her headstone contains the Jerusalem Cross surrounded by the words "Arts Worker, Teacher, Poet, Touchstone". At the base is the quotation

Oh brave new world That has such people in 't

from Shakespeare's The Tempest. The December 1995 edition of the Stoneleigh and Ashow News contained the following: For many years, Helena and her husband Stewart had been supporters of Stoneleigh Church. They used to enjoy the service of Evensong at Stoneleigh and were among those who expressed much sadness when Evensong went into decline. Helena had many wonderful artistic gifts and much enthusiasm. She also had much skill in being able to spot potential abilities in others. She encouraged many in the enjoyment of self-expression and into becoming skilled in artistic appreciation. At Stoneleigh, she helped those who read in church to speak clearly and with expression in their voices. In her memory we print one of her poems written on 31 March 1994.

Under a leaden sky, mists drifted. The river curled; oiled silk ruffles Rustled faintly, staining silence. The horse stood, hoof tilted, Blacker against the bleakness, Eyes fixed on the small, persistent miracle. Beneath a draggling, bedaubed fleece Shivered uncertain, tenacious being, Slipped from the sheltering dark To taste its eager and tremulous legs In the half light of a sunless world.