We are greatly saddened to hear of the death of Julia Hudson, who lived and worked at Seaford for most of her working life. Julia passed away on 3rd April 2025 after a short illness. We send our sincere condolences to her family.

Julia arrived at Seaford College in the mid-1950s, straight from secretarial college, and worked in the school office as the headmaster’s secretary. She instantly felt at home in the beautiful rural setting of Lavington Park, living at Garden Cottage with the Johnson family who became a huge part of her life.

In April 1965, Julia married Maurice Hudson who had come to Seaford in 1958 as Master of Physics and rugby coach. Julia and Maurice went on to spend over 35 years living at Seaford as staff and later as houseparents of Millburgh House, before retiring to the Wye Valley in 1993.  They bought up their three children – Simon, Sarah and Laura – in the Park, and were integral members of the Seaford community, only escaping during holidays to the Wye Valley during fishing season.

During her time at Seaford, Julia was involved in many aspects of school life including marketing and showing prospective parents around the school. She accompanied Charles Johnson on a trip to Hong Kong as part of the school’s marketing initiative at the time. As a houseparent she was responsible for assisting Maurice in much of the running of the house and welfare of the boys, hosting house feasts at Christmas and many other events, applying her can-do and positive attitude to everything she did.

Since retiring to St Briavels in Gloucestershire, Julia became a huge part of her local community and church. She also hosted numerous Old Seafordians over the years who would often visit, having fond memories of the trips Maurice took to the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons.

Julia is having a private family cremation followed by funeral service for all at 2pm on 9th May in St Mary the Virgin Church, St Briavels. There is a memorial page here with details of the service.

Julia’s daughters can be contacted by email: laurachudson28@hotmail.com and sarah_j_hudson@yahoo.co.uk