Miss Margaret B. Halstead (Physics 1950)

Provided by Mr Graham Bull

Margaret Halstead 1928 - 2008

Margaret was born in Ealing in 1928 and was educated at Ealing Grammar School becoming Head Girl. Unable to get into a University because at that time University places were being reserved for ex-service men returning from the war, Margaret attended Acton Technical College (now BruneI University) and gained a RSc. externally from London University, where she helped to start the student union.

In 1949 Margaret joined Atlas Lighting, which became Thorn Lighting, as assistant to Dr. Henderson with particular reference to colour matters. On Dr. Henderson's retirement in 1968, Margaret became head of department, a post she held until her retirement in 1988. Margaret was very proud of her promotion at Thorn's as she was allowed to use the Senior Staff Dining Room, a privilege granted to only a few women! She was a good colleague who brought a sense of humour to the work place and she treated junior members of staff with fairness.

Amongst other things, Thorn's in the 1960's was concerned with developing lighting for colour television, which was in its infancy. An offshoot of this was the development of the Colour Group. As its name implies, a professional body made up of people involved in the development of colour lighting. Margaret was Secretary, Vice-Chairman and Chairman of this group for a number of years and was able to travel around the world as a UK representative promoting colour television lighting and the other work that she was involved with. Also, Margaret was involved in developing lighting for operating theatres as the colour of a patient's skin was of especial interest to the anaesthetist! A warded the Newton Medal in 1987, to acknowledge her contribution in the world of Colour, is an honour bestowed on very few people. She retained an interest in her field of work and contact with various professional bodies e.g. CIBSE and the Institute of Physics for many years after retirement.

Margaret had many interests and belonged to a variety of local organisations, including:

Soroptimists International; The Enfield National Trust Association, Margaret was a founder member and held a variety of posts; Edmonton Hundred Association, where Margaret developed an interest in local and family history.

All of these activities kept Margaret busy and she made many friends, most of whom remained friends to the end of her life. She enjoyed travelling and went to many parts of the world.

It has been suggested that Margaret had two particular quirks. One of which was an interest in retail therapy, seemingly at odds with her scientific training. At the inaugural committee meeting of the Enfield National Trust Association she expressed an interest in running the shop, which she then did for over fifteen years. The second being a love of acting - she was a member of the Trinity Church Drama Group, Trinity Players - one incident stands out when she was a penguin! Suitably attired, she leamed to waddle as a penguin so as to be as realistic as possible! There was nothing half-hearted about Margaret!

At Thorn Lighting Margaret was described as bringing a liveliness of mind to her work and she had the ability to apply her intellect to all manner of issues, for example sharing in a discussion group or bible study was challenging because she always considered the options and offered additional ideas. Thankfully she retained her mental capacity.

In later life Margaret was heavily involved with Trinity Church, especially regarding the fabric of the building. She was at different times Chairman and Secretary of the property committee dealing with everyday problems and long term repair projects as well as being one who would readily get her hands dirty joining working parties. She was a Church Steward for six years. Working with another member she helped embroider several kneelers and cushions for the chancel area of the church. She got involved in the local churches ecumenical activities serving as a representative as well as giving lifts to the luncheon club and helping in the Meet-A-Need office. She will be missed by many people.