It was with great sadness that the Sport and Recreation Alliance learned of the death of Eileen Alexander at the age of 102.
Eileen was a member of the CCPR Executive Committee from 1972-1990, Chair of the Movement and Dance Division from 1972-1982 and a Trustee of the Colson Trust.
She also served as President of the PE Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a member of the Schools Council PE Committee and a member of the Sports Council.
Eileen was awarded the OBE in 1973, an individual membership of the CCPR in 1979, an Honorary Doctorate of Education by De Montfort University in 1995, the Ling Award for outstanding service to physical education from the Physical Education Association in 1997 and the CCPR Emeritus Award in 2004.
Professor Margaret Whitehead, a former student of Eileen’s, gave the following tribute on behalf of Bedford Physical Education:
"Eileen made a tremendous contribution to physical education and physical activity on local, national and international stages.
"She spent her early career at Homerton College Cambridge where she rose to Deputy Principal before becoming a member of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Schools and then being appointed Principal of Bedford Physical Training College in 1951.
"Eileen was a formidable force – a perceptive and able educator, an astute negotiator and a skilful business woman. During her two decades at Bedford she made changes that enabled us to retain and enhance our national and international standing, and which remain the foundation of our continued success.
"The Alexander years saw a huge expansion of the college – in staff and student numbers, in the construction of new facilities and in our ability to award degrees and then honours degrees which was crucial to Bedford’s survival.
"Eileen also travelled widely as a representative of physical education in the UK and the esteem in which she was held and the impact she had can be seen from the frequent visits she received from colleagues from all four corners of the world.
"After she retired Eileen set up the Alexander Trust, a charitable trust which provided funds for many individuals, schools and good causes.
"Eileen’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Bedford and into the persona of all those she trained. Her legacy also lives on in the fruits of her sponsorship.
"Physical education has much to thank Eileen for."
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