AN ALVECHURCH woman whose name was synonymous with drama training and the internationally acclaimed Birmingham School of Acting (BSA) has passed away at the age of 86.
Patricia Yardley, who was always ‘Miss Yardley’ to her students and ‘Patsy’ to her friends, was born in Northfield in 1930, attended King Edward VI High School and trained in Greek dance, mime and drama at Ginner Mawer.
Patricia, when she was in her early 20s, worked as a peripatetic teacher in schools across the Midlands.
In the 1950s Patricia joined and directed ‘The Burlington Players’ an amateur drama group based in Aston which remained lifelong friends who she called ‘family’. Long after the group stopped performing she still holidayed with them every year along with their children and grandchildren.
Patricia was an early traveller to America, enjoyed rally driving and was known to drive hair-raisingly fast.
In the 1960s she joined her mum and started teaching at the BSA, becoming its inspirational principal in the 1980s until her retirement in 2000.
On taking over the principal’s position from her mother, she worked tirelessly to develop the school, encouraging new courses and building staff skills.
She personally taught and directed, oversaw all aspects of training and was passionate about student welfare.
Patricia led the school through its most difficult period when most funding for students was being cut and morale was at its lowest ebb.
Determined that vocational training and the broadest access to it should to be maintained, she became an innovator for change.
Her mission was to see the school become part of Birmingham City University and she bravely mortgaged her home to help achieve it.
Such were her leadership skills and personal charisma that throughout the turmoil, her staff remained loyal and focused, ensuring training standards were maintained.
Her vision became reality in 2005 and on the completion of a much-heralded integration the university recognised her worth with an honorary Professorship.
Today as part of the Arts Conservatoire at the university, it remains her proud legacy to both Birmingham and artistic training excellence.
Originally named the ‘Birmingham School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art’, ‘BSA’ has moved location four times in its 80-year of history.
It is now in a splendid purpose built site within the prestigious Millennium Point, where the centrepiece ‘Patricia Yardley Studio’ ensures that her name is still referred to everyday.
Simon Woods, the former chief executive of BSA, said: “Professor Patricia ‘Patsy’ Yardley made a difference to the lives of so many people.
“Staff, students, graduates and friends alike were helped by her to achieve their full potential and aspirations.
“She was a one-off original and will be sadly missed.”
