Tributes to pre-school principal from Southwater

Angela Warran lived in Southwater with her partner Darren, and had previously lived in Warnham and Kingsfold.

She passed away on Tuesday September 2. Her funeral was held yesterday (Wednesday) at St Margaret’s Church in Warnham.

A former pupil at Warnham Primary School and Tanbridge House, Angela studied childcare at Collyer’s, proving to be a ‘natural’.

She was offered a work placement at Busy Bees Pre-School in Horsham, eventually becoming principal and taking ownership of the company.

Her father John said: “To each of us individually, she was our world and pride and joy.

“We have been touched to our souls by the community’s outpouring of grief, but also consoled immeasurably by the many wonderful messages received and kind words spoken in Angela’s praise.”

The family told the County Times this week that Angela was born to John and Norma in Yeovil in December 1983. She had an idyllic childhood with her parents, her sisters Kim and Lynne, and brother Neil. Her arrival, coincidentally on Kim’s 10th birthday, completed the family.

Later in the 1980s the family returned to Warnham from a home in Somerset. Now a fundamental part of the family, Angela was beginning to develop her own individual character - including an increasingly sunny and positive yet determined disposition.

Following a series of short moves, the family settled in Kingsfold, where they spent another 12 wonderful years, during which Angela truly blossomed.

Frequent gatherings at the home included Angela’s memorable high summer end of term parties with marquees and music, her father said.

“From childhood and into her teens, Angela regularly attended St Margaret’s Sunday School before becoming one of its helpers: it was at St Margaret’s she received her Confirmation,” he added.

“Angela was an active participant in many church and other local activities, including Brownies and Guides where her mum also was involved.”

He added: “She simply adored children and quickly saw it as her mission to care for and nurture them.”

After the sad death of Sheila Howell, who had offered her the work placement at Busy Bees, Angela gathered management skills leading eventually, with support from Sheila’s family, to her taking ownership of the company.

In her personal life, Angela developed a close and loving relationship with her partner Darren. They lived together in Southwater, their delightful garden holding an array of bird feeders, fish pool, rabbit hutch and a poultry house.

It was never a surprise to see chicken wandering into the lounge, just as they had into John and Norma’s kitchen so many years before, the family said. Above other animals, Angela was fascinated by and loved giraffes.

Darren and Angela shared many diverse interests, with most, such as camping, embracing the outdoor life. But, as with her mum, Angela much enjoyed the London theatre scene.

The couple were only divided when it came to football - Angela being a long-time supporter of Newcastle United, with Darren a Liverpool fan.

Angela was an avid supporter of several charities, nationally and locally.