Edith Holland MBE

It is with great sadness that the AAA acknowledge the passing of Founder Life Vice President Edith Holland MBE on 21 November.

Edith was for many years the Treasurer of the WAAA – in fact, was in post until 1991 when the WAAA and AAA merged to become the AAA of England.  She also paid a full part in the many discussions which brought about the successful amalgamation.

In her younger days, Edith had been a very competitive athlete, member of Spartan Ladies AC. Coached by Sir Arthur Gold, she had been the national high jump champion in her early twenties.  Later she became involved with the England women’s teams and travelled often as the Admin Officer.

In her business career, Edith was PA to Marea Hartman’s boss, 'Simmy' at Bowater House – and it is therefore no surprise that she was so involved in all aspects of WAAA activities over such a long period!

Her MBE was awarded in 1992 for her services to women’s athletics, and she maintained a great interest in the whole sport of athletics throughout her life.

Above: ©Alpha Press 050000 (1956) Dame Margot Fonteyn, President of the RAD, watches as some of the athletes show her what they have learnt about ballet during the pilot scheme which has been running for 1 month in 1956. L-R: Roy Frampton - a high jumper from Anerley, Jean Adamson - a hurdler from Croydon, Diana Cooper - a high jumper from Twickenham, Sandy Davies - a high jumper from Barnet, Ed, Edith Holland - a high jumper from Edgware, Roy Sutton - a hurdler from Horsley, Surrey.