| Richard Woollett - Chris Snuggs (Berners/Halls 58-65) | |
WHS was fortunate to have had four quite exceptional Headmasters, and Dick Woollett was the last. I knew him as Asst. Housemaster of Halls during his first stay at the school. He was very kind, and often invited groups of boys to watch "The World at War", the great BBC series on WWI, in his flat on the first floor between Halls and Johnstons. He also did his best to help me when I applied for a place at Merton College, Oxford, giving me both interview and other practical advice. Once we met up in London and watched "Far From The Madding Crowd" when it came out. I had studied Thomas Hardy's "The Mayor of Casterbridge" for 'O' Level, and that film was stunning. Dick was always a class act, and I greatly admired him for taking on the formidable challenge of WHS during its last decade, much of which he spent ferociously trying to keep the school going - which was in fact an unachievable mission. He told me some years ago when we met on the occasion of one of our barge cruises that Taffy had greatly encouraged him to go for the Headship - which was nice. They had of course worked together in Halls in the early 60s. (62-64) He now lives in retirement in Ipswich, and in 2018 I was invited to his 80th birthday party in Ipswich, organised by Barry Clark. A good number of OBs were there and their love for their old Head was obvious. Here are a few photos. (Chris Snuggs 3/22) |
|
Dear Richard Woollett passed away on 31 Jan. 2024
after
a long battle with dementia - a truly sad day.
JAN 31:
Barry Clark - Hansons 58-65 & teacher 86-90: "It is with great sadness that I have to report that my lifelong friend, mentor, teacher and at one point boss, the former teacher and Headmaster of Woolverstone Hall Mr Richard J Woollett MA passed away at Ipswich Hospital a few moments ago. R.I. P. Dick, you earnt it."
Edmund Mensah - ????? ??-88: "Just heard this sad news and it's painful to bear. Mr Woollett has passed away, the man who did so much for me personally to guide me not only through Woolverstone but post boarding - ensuring that we all had a goal and direction after Woolverstone. He encouraged us to seek our goals even though those doors maybe closed to us socially but not educationally. Thank you, Mr Woollett for granting me that opportunity for an educational experience that has stood me in good stead. I am sure in the future if there's a gathering of old Woolverstonians there will be a glass or 2 raised in his honour; he will always be in minds and heart; he helped mould and shape most to be respectful and ambitious. I am sure I speak for many of my generation of Woolverstone who were lucky enough to be headed by Mr Woollett.Goodbye and thank you. RIP."
Jos Clark - ?????? ??-??: "Dick was kind, wise and funny. He was also a true friend. A true gentleman. I feel privileged to have known him."
Hakeem Rotimi Ashorobi - Orwell 85-90: "May his blessed soul rest in eternal peace❤."
Christopher Catherwood (formerly Westminster School): "So sorry to hear of Dick's death. How deeply sad - so I have only just missed him! He will be missed by the thousands he inspired over many years. He was an inspirational teacher. Everyone he taught thought that he was brilliant."
Barry Clark: "A group of us had a very touching gathering yesterday, as advised here and elsewhere. Photos may follow."
Gawain Fraser ?????? ??-87: "He deserves a send off. A great man."
Jos Clark: "It was indeed a very special event, doing Dick and Charlotte justice. Thank you to all of you who attended. I will treasure that memory."
Philip Hart - Orwell 77-82: "May he rest in peace for his duty to Woolvo."
Chris Snuggs - Berners/Halls 58-65: "I never knew or heard of or can imagine Dick being unkind to anyone. He was a truly caring teacher and man, who wanted the best for everyone - AND did HIS best to help them achieve it. His beloved school closed down and he lost his wife Charlotte some years ago - if anyone ever deserved better, it was he. Having said that, he was in regular contact with a number of dear friends who made sure he was properly cared for and comfortable - including Barry Clark, to whom we extend our warmest gratitude."