RIP Gillian Gunner née Butcher: Gillian attended Godalming Grammar from 1955-1960.
Her nickname of Milli was adopted by her school friends after she was inspired by a maths lesson to tell us (many times) how many millimetres she had walked. This nickname stuck throughout her school years and beyond, but in later years she reverted to Gillian.
Gillian married Edward Gunner in 1966 and they spent some very happy years together until his death in 2012. In 1971 Gillian began to study for an Open University degree, focusing on Maths and Computing. She graduated in 1978 with an Upper Second which stood her in good stead in her future career. Gillian had a highly successful career in computing, starting when it was very much in its infancy, becoming a proficient programmer and had a computer textbook ‘Word Press To Go’ in the USA. Gillian set up her own successful business, working with, among other clients, the Liberal Party. She was awarded an MBE for these services.
In later years she became a sought-after Webmaster with clients both here and in the USA. Very often Gillian would ask that a donation be made to charity in lieu of payment. She was a talented photographer, being Chairman of Sherborne Camera Club at one time, and was the photographer when the Queen and Prince Philip visited Sherborne on their Diamond Wedding tour of England.
Gillian was also a prominent member of the award-winning Sherborne in Bloom team. A testament to her skills is their excellent website. She had a great love of travel and visited many countries, including Australia. She was in Sydney for the New Year Fireworks, and we were able to meet.
Whenever we were in England the three of us would meet for lunch. Gillian passed away on 26th June 2021 from motor neurone disease, a devastating and unforgiving disease that she fought bravely.