Claire Orme was a pupil at Great Wyrley High School from 1990 to 1997. She was a well liked girl who worked studiously hard in class, taking pride in everything she did and gaining good grades in her GCSE’s and A’ Levels. Claire loved to be part of everything that was going on at the school including playing in the High School Band. She joined the Wyrley Music And Drama Society and took part enthusiastically in the shows they produced as well as the school productions.

Claire began her love of music at a young age, quickly mastering the recorder. She started learning violin whilst still at Glenthorne Primary School, although as with many of her friends, she soon moved onto a woodwind instrument and started learning clarinet when she came to Great Wyrley High School. Claire gained GCSE and A’ Level in music, teaching herself keyboard to help with her compositions and learning Alto Saxophone as her second instrument. She made a huge contribution to music at the school and in recognition was awarded the ‘Howard Benton Award for Musicianship’ twice. Claire loved playing in the High School Band and also in a variety of concert and swing bands at Cannock Music Centre (CMC), which she continued to be a part of long after she left Great Wyrley High School.

Unsurprisingly, when Great Wyrley Communtiy Band was formed in 2000, Claire jumped at the chance of becoming one of the first members and qualified to play Lead Clarinet. She loved being a part of the Community Band and was very proud of it. As a key member of the band, she always worked hard at making sure she played to the best of her ability. She looked forward to rehearsals and to the visit to the pub afterwards!

In March 2000, Claire gave birth to her daughter Chloe. Claire loved being a mum and with a lot of love and support from her parents, she managed to continue working full-time at Lloyds-TSB and play in the band. It wasn’t long before Claire started to rub some of her musical talent off on Chloe, by bringing her along to all-day rehearsals.

Claire was a very loyal and fun friend to everyone she knew as well as a loving daughter and mother. Claire would be very proud to know that a tree had been planted in honour of her. Great Wyrley High School was a very large part of her life and it is very fitting that she be remembered with something that will be part of the school for a very long time, as well as a place for her daughter Chloe to come and remember her mum when she moves up to the High School in two years time. She is very sadly missed by all that knew her.