Kay Sampson

Researcher Joan West

Kay and Nell Sampson

Kathleen Sampson born 1892 and her sister Helen May, known as Nell, born 1887 were born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire; the daughters of George Sampson, chemist and druggist and his wife Hellen.

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October 5th 1911 Kathleen entered the Royal Holloway College, London. Her file in 1915 is descriptive :-

She is a congregational chapel member

Her sports are hockey, tennis and on the river

Her character She is independent, cheerful, rather noisy, works well

Her Social Life

2nd year play. 1912-14 camera Club Secretary. 1913-14 C U Secretary. 1914 President of Science Discussion and Secretary of Students Meeting.

Her Subjects Studied are not available.

Photo on the left.

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1939 Register war census

Kathleen Sampson born 23 November 1892, University Lecturer, living at Ty'nyglog, Aberystwyth, Wales

1942 Lacey Green

On 26th November 1942, Helen May (Nell) and Kathleen Sampson purchased Lavender Cottage, Kiln Lane, from Arnold Stafford Clark for £2,250 as joint tenants. The advertisement had read as follows :-

Freehold cottage, known as Lavender Cottage, henceforth to be known as Malmesmead, fronting on to Kiln Lane, with other buildings near thereto and garden with meadow of 2 acres, 34 poles.

1982 Death The following obituary by Harry Church was published in Hallmark :-

Miss Kay Sampson, who with her sister 'Nell' came to live at Lacey Green following the bombing of the family home at Acton.

Both had distinguished careers, Miss Nell holding a senior post at The Haberdashers School for Girls, while Kay held degrees in botany, and was honoured by the British Mycologist Society when she was elected President in 1940, and holding Tutorial posts at Leeds University and the Welsh Plant Breeding Station at Aberystwyth, which became internationally famous for the study and improvement of grasses and herbage plantlife; her particular interest being fungus diseases affecting these crops, compiling excellent publications and joint authorship of two books on the subject.

On coming to live at Lacey Green the sisters devoted much time and loving care to the grounds and garden of 'Malmesmead', which became a joy and delight to all who made frequent visits there.

They were both strong supporters of the now defunct Intimate Theatre at High Wycombe and were foremost in forming the local Women's Institute Drama Group, and with the help of Mrs Joyce Waite of Loosley Row, (who added that professional touch), got so good that one forgot that they were only sitting in the old Village Hall with its very limited stage and other facilities. One production which I call to mind and is still spoken of in the village was 'Frozen Heart'

I could go on and on recalling the sterling contribution the Sampson Sisters made to the village, did but space allow, and verily the death of Kay is he end of an era.

N.B. I am indebted to a close friend of the Sampsons (J.H.W.) for a very full Biography of which unfortunately I could only use a small part.