Former teacher, Mrs Lynda Turbett, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2016. Despite the challenges posed by MND, she is actively raising money for research into this condition that affects the nerves controlling voluntary muscles, causing them to weaken and eventually leading to paralysis. 

Lynda has written a book of poems which has inspired our community to launch a series of fundraising activities to assist her efforts. All proceeds from the following will support this initiative:

• 7 March 2024: World Book Day Quiz in the College Library
• 23 March 2024: Leavers’ Day Sports Event at Countesswells
• 24 June 2024: An Evening of Performance in the Craig Centre featuring readings of some of Lynda’s new book of poems (book available to purchase by contacting lyndaturbet@btinternet.com) and musical performances by Junior and Senior pupils.
• December 2024: RGC Staff Panto

Her pupils held her in the highest regard as an educator and mentor and her colleagues know her to be a loyal and trusted friend. Mrs Boyne, Principal Teacher of Drama and former pupil of Lynda’s shared: “I was delighted when Mrs Turbett agreed to introduce Drama into the curriculum and I still think fondly of my time in the department with her. She was a passionate and caring teacher who pushed us to be creative and think outside of the box. I am honoured to be back in the department that kick started my career and hope that I can be half the teacher that she was.”

If you miss any of the events and would like to contribute directly to the fundraising efforts, you can donate online via the JustGiving page. Let's come together to support Mrs. Turbet's inspiring endeavour and contribute towards finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.

Biography

Mrs Lynda Turbett joined the staff of the English Department in August 1987 and quickly made her mark. She inspired a love of literature and language in her pupils and her passion was for drama. She created fantastic theatrical experiences for younger pupils in the context of the S1 and S2 Drama clubs and, as interest in this area grew, Lynda was appointed Assistant Principal Teacher of Drama in 2000. In 2003, as the department continued to expand, she was promoted to Head of Department. Lynda was responsible for presenting her subject at all levels through to Advanced Higher. Being an examiner and marker over many years for examination boards on both sides of the border, she strengthened contacts with schools throughout the country and was able to make a sharp assessment of any piece of work brought to her. She also served as Head of English upon the retirement of Dr Ian Gotts in 2006, while still being responsible for Drama. Lynda’s two boys were both pupils at RGC, Will (Class of 1998) and Rory (Class of 2002).

On the co-curricular side, in 1991 Lynda planned and led the first (and only!) trip to Russia, just weeks before the old USSR crumbled. Further trips included accompanying parties to Strafford-upon-Avon, London, Sorrento and the WW1 Battlefields. She further supported the College on Saturdays by helping to serve lunches to visiting sports teams at Countesswells. 

She and her husband, Richard, retired in 2008 and moved south to Holt in Norfolk. Sadly, in 2016, Lynda was dealt the most horrible blow when she was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. This has not, however, destroyed her creativity: she has produced two anthologies of poems and has applied the proceeds of these to her two charities: Motor Neurone Disease Association and My Name ‘5 Doddie. She was diagnosed with MND at the same time as Doddie Weir. She describes herself as being “as well as she can be with lovely carers, and a devoted family” which now includes four grandchildren.