131 facts or viewpoint. One of his retirement projects was to become an educator at Sutton Hoo, near his and his mother, Muriel’s, Saxmundham home. Mike’s contribution encompassed far more than History and Politics in the classroom and his stewardship of the Sixth Form Academic Society, of course. His Kentwell Hall re-creation visits saw the entire First Form dressed as Tudors, Art History trips to London involved him standing in the middle of the road and ordering Brentwood Ingrave Road traffic to stop for his Second Formers; House Diplomacy competitions, re-enactment of Victorian lessons, cross country and swimathons and custody of the school archive, including centuries-old oyster shells all played a part in the story of his time at Brentwood School. Mike’s service to Brentwood School reached an astounding 47 years when he retired only last Summer, and it continued beyond this record, during what was to be his final year, as he began work on a new History of the School. It is our intention and hope that in some way we might finish this task as a fitting memorial to a unique man who was much admired, respected and loved by generations of Old Brentwoods. So many past and present colleagues, and former pupils who have gone on to become friends recall an idiosyncratic, slightly awkward man, coming literally at times kicking and screaming into the late twentieth century and its technology, yet all of us cherish a kindly, genuine and generous friend and supporter. Quite a measure of success not just as a subject teacher, but as an all-round schoolmaster or schoolmistress is the number of former pupils who seek you out and keep in touch. Mike’s contact list is encyclopaedic, eclectic, august and sincere - it must indeed be rare to have ex-pupils who ceased work at the ordinary retirement age, while you are still in post. Mike leaves behind him a void which will not easily be filled, and a legacy which will long be remembered and saluted. Rest well, Mike, and thank you for everything you did for our school, our community and us...and me. By Mr Bowley
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA4ODM=