Ross Moynihan - Orwell 79-84: “Simon was housemaster for Johnston’s when it was turned into the first-form house in about 82/83. The matron (houseparent in those later days) was Carole? I can’t remember his subject but he was a good fella, a bit new-aged for some of the older masters perhaps but I think most pupils got on OK with him.” John Hocknell - Johnstons/Hansons 82-88: “He taught English. Had a lovely well-tempered golden retriever that assisted him in getting us out of bed in the morning. I believe Harold Maxfield was housemaster of Johnstons then, Simon came in on duty. Matron was Carol; she had a wretched terrier with a heart defect. Funny the things you remember.” Ross Moynihan: “John, ah you have a better memory than I. You’re right about Harry Maxfield, I think Simon was involved with Hanson’s not Johnstone’s. Totally forgot about Simon’s dog though.” Richard Grose - Corners 83-88: “John Hocknell? Is that the same John Hocknell that was in my year 83-88? A lump of a lad standing much taller then myself at the time. John Hocknell: “Richard Grose correct lil dude ..... “ Richard Grose: “I may have been vertically challenged,but I survived Woolvo ...” Craig Halls - unknown ?-86: “He taught me English for a while; nice chilled-out teacher! Lent me his bicycle once during a lesson so I could cycle back to Corners house to retrieve the prep I had 'forgotten.'” Richard Grose: “English Literature was his specialised subject. Analysis, debate and critical theorising of all the literature included in the syllabus. OMG .... I do believe I was listening in his classes!” Ray Brady - Orwell 79-83: “English teacher, decent guy.” Dave Newman - Halls 82-87: “My English teacher in Form 1 and 2. Also did some house assistance work. Lovely temperament and a very good teacher. I learnt a lot from him. He got the best out of pupils and kept us all interested. He has written a book on Mary Alice Berners and has done a couple of live events on the book. I missed the last one owing to the petrol fiasco last Sept. So annoyed as had also planned a visit to the school on the same day ….” Tunde Durowoju - Corners 82-87: Basically everything already said is correct. He was a softly-spoken English Literature teacher. His manner was the opposite of KBY or Mr Watkins, ie he didn’t try to impose his personality on you. He wasn’t a pushover either; it wasn’t enjoyable to see him lose his rag. Even though it was the 80’s, when I was there, he still dressed as one longing for the 70’s to return! Had a lovely laugh. A nice fella.” Andy Marshall - Dep. Head 85-89: “Tunde - a very accurate description of Simon. Quietly going about his task of helping those in his care develop into the citizens of tomorrow. Sounds like he did a great job!” Edmund Mensah - unknown ?-88: “Deputy housemaster of Johnstons house in my first year and was my English teacher; love Mr Pearce mainly because he knew I loved cricket and he told me he schooled with Ian Botham because he was from Yeovil." Barry Clark - Teaching Staff 86-90: “Simon was (and still is) indeed a lovely man: a pleasure to work with.” |