The Lakes School Honors Legacy of Holocaust Survivor Harry Olmer

Windermere, Cumbria, the Lakes School has paid a heartfelt tribute to Holocaust survivor and educator Harry Olmer MBE, who has died at the age of 98, remembering his life, resilience, and the profound impact he had on pupils, staff, and the wider community.
Born Chaim Olmer in Sosnowiec, Poland in 1927, Mr Olmer survived the horrors of Nazi persecution, enduring forced-labour camps and concentration camps before being liberated in 1945. As part of a group of young survivors brought to Britain after the war, later known as The Windermere Children, he made the Calgarth Estate near Windermere his home and began to rebuild his life.
The Lakes School now stands on the very site of the former Calgarth Estate, and the school community has carried forward the legacy of the survivors who once lived there. Head of Humanities Ken Pickering expressed deep sorrow at Mr Olmer’s passing, highlighting the enormous influence his visits had on students. “Harry was always so generous with his time, and his visits to our school left a lasting impression on both pupils and staff,” Mr Pickering said. “The stories he shared and the wisdom he offered were more powerful than a hundred lessons could ever have been.”
Throughout his life, Mr Olmer remained closely connected with The Lakes School and the surrounding community. On the 80th anniversary of his arrival in Windermere, he helped open the school’s Bud and Blossom Reflection Garden, a space dedicated to reflection and remembrance.
After the war, Mr Olmer built a distinguished career as a dentist and British citizen, and in later years he became a tireless advocate for Holocaust education. He shared his testimony with thousands of young people across the UK, helping ensure that lessons from history are not forgotten.
In recognition of his commitment to education and remembrance, Mr Olmer was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2023.
The school’s tribute reflects not just respect for a remarkable life, but also a commitment to keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive through education an effort Mr Olmer passionately championed. His presence, stories, and kindness will be remembered with gratitude by all who had the privilege to meet him.