Bill

Today I heard of the death of another friend. Bill was into his nineties and had been leaving the world for quite some time, and so his departure was neither a shock and nor was it sad.

Bill was actually the best headmaster I have ever worked for. He appointed me to the school where I spent most of my teaching career and he was an inspiration and a role model for so many that were fortunate enough to know him.
Oh yes he drove people wild on occasions, but Bill was always Bill and you always knew what you were going to get. He was a headteacher of the old school and would sweep around the corridors in a huge black gown, making his presence felt and making sure that the students knew of his existence. These forays into his empire didn't take place very often and he preferred to stay in his office letting his staff do what they were paid to do. He had excellent deputies, one who ran the curriculum and the other who managed the pastoral system. Bill was there as a figurehead, and he maintained that role so well, being much respected in the school and in the community at large.

He loved to support everything that happened in school and would attend every performance of plays and concerts, although he was not a great fan of competitive sports he would always sing the praises of individuals or teams that did well.
Recalcitrant students were very rarely sent to him. The bad lads would come out of his office thoroughly confused, as Bill would talk to them, give them cups of tea or tell them stories and then send them on their way. He celebrated success always and his claim that the school was the best in the south of England may have had some truth to it.

He was allowed to conduct assemblies from time to time, but they would frequently go wrong. I never worked out if his faux pas were deliberate or not. I suspect that he knew exactly what he was doing when talking about an abundance of jewellery in the school addressed the assembly with the opening words - "This morning as I walked to my office, I was confronted by a girl with the most enormous danglers." The students had more control of themselves than the staff who were beside themselves with giggles. His assemblies were the best attended of all and not just because we were expected to be there.

When he retired, there was a celebration at the end of the school day that was the best attended do ever and he was finally transported to his home through the streets on a school medical trolley. Drinking went on in his garden for some time afterwards.

Bill was there at every social event and was frequently invited to staff parties. He was amusing, charming and always had an eye for a pretty face. He was good company well into his eighties and I am sorry that I will not be able to say a final farewell. perhaps this will suffice. Farewell Bill - I hope for your sake that you were right about your God. It was a pleasure knowing you, I will miss you.