OBITUARIES
David Nuttall ( Former Staff , 88-93 ) was 52 years old when I arrived at Pocklington School as the newly appointed Headmaster in 1992 . Experienced , wise , witty , and shrewd , David was a Deputy Head who knew the staff as well as his own children , and the pupils as if they were his own children . He guided me through my initial , uncertain , mistake-strewn early years as Head with firm tact , unwavering support and unambiguous clarity . He nurtured me with care , protected me , and shared my enthusiasm for education and for people . He had a great love of humanity which was evident in his dealings with people : he frowned on technology , preferring face to face conversations to resolve tricky or mundane problems .
Blessed with good listening skills he was adept , having listened , at teasing out solutions to apparently impossible logistical or human problems , always doing so with an intensity and a joy as the solution emerged that gave the impression that no one else at the time mattered other than the person he was dealing with . The same was true of his deft management of parents with whom he dealt always with courtesy and warm professionalism .
A gifted strategist and a natural leader , David was staunch in his defence of his colleagues when he felt they had been wronged but equally was critical of them when he felt them to be in the wrong . His nickname “ crunch ” was perhaps severe although it reflected his ability to be decisive after reflection on any matter , but it concealed his underlying love of people and enjoyment of their company .
Highly articulate , he was a talented speaker and a brilliant organiser . He could always be depended on to ensure that events at School went well . He was a fine role model to colleagues , the quintessential schoolmaster who believed in and practised holistic education long before the term was dreamed up and became fashionable . A gifted teacher of
Modern Languages he broke all the rules of modern teaching methods , but captivated , enchanted and engaged the pupils .
His joie de vivre was ever evident in the classroom as it was on the cricket field where for years he was an inspirational coach of the 1st XI cricket team . It was characteristic of him that in his final years at Pocklington he reverted to coaching the youngest pupils in the senior school instilling in them the silky skills of leg spin bowling and attacking batting . In retirement he edited and updated the school history , and continued for some years to coach cricket to twelve-year-olds with the same enthusiasm that he must have possessed initially as a young school teacher and then Boarding Housemaster at Pocklington school , 40 years earlier . He epitomised good school mastering , ethical leadership and a life of service . He did everything with zest and until the task was finished . Life at Pocklington cannot be the same without him .
To him I owe a great personal debt . He showed me the way when I felt lost and taught me how to lead . I could confide in him and know that my confidences would never be breached . He was loyal , and in all my thirty years of school leadership was to me the Deputy whom I could call a real mentor and a friend . May his soul rest in eternal peace . He was a man who made a vast difference to the lives of others but asked for no recognition in return . Virtue is its own reward .
( David Gray , Former Headmaster , 92-00 )
Nicholas Partridge ( 59-66 ) tragically was killed on 8 February 2023 when he was hit by a car which mounted the pavement following a road traffic accident .
Before arriving at Pocklington , Nick attended St Mary ’ s Primary School in Beverley where he passed his 11 + thereby qualifying to attend Beverley Grammar . However , he and his parents felt that he would be afforded more opportunities as a day pupil at Pocklington . Nick , along with many other day boys , travelled by train from Beverley to Pocklington until November 1965 when the line was closed following the Beeching cuts . Transport duties were then fulfilled by a double decker bus , which no doubt was entertaining .
It is fair to say that Nick was not an enthusiastic participant in the sporting opportunities presented at Pocklington , preferring to follow his flair for artistic and creative skills in the art department . When the spectre of the CCF loomed Nick was the first to volunteer for store duties , thereby avoiding the legendary Sgt Major Watt ’ s training but emerging with the impressive title of ‘ quartermaster ’. Even more notable , perhaps , was his resounding success in charge of the big bass drum in the CCF band ensuring that everyone drilled to his beat . Nick obviously impressed Messrs Pitts-Tucker and Eggleshaw with his leadership qualities as , in his last year , he was appointed to the heady position of school prefect .
On leaving Pocklington in 1966 , Nick became articled to an accountant in Hull , a position which held little appeal . Although he passed the intermediate exams , he was soon lured by the opportunity to work for the advertising agency J W Thompson . After a few years he moved to British Telecom where he was part of the team which introduced the Buzby BT adverts .
Eventually , weary of corporate life , Nick decided to train as an EFL teacher , believing that this would lead to a quieter life . Once qualified , he accepted a position at the Instituto Britanico in San José , Costa Rica where , much to his chagrin , he found that he was a very good teacher in high demand . His expertise , now recognised , resulted in him being asked to head a new branch of the Instituto in Liberia in the north of the country . Nick ’ s interests took another turn when he invested in a hairdressing business in San José , which he still owned upon his passing .
Nick had always been interested in architecture . and about eight years ago , coinciding with his ‘ retirement ’ plans , he decided to buy a partially derelict Riad in Marrakesh . He spent the remainder of his life lovingly renovating the Riad , preserving as much of the original building as possible using traditional craftsmen and materials . It is particularly tragic that he died on the verge of its completion and opening as a hotel .
Nick ’ s life was somewhat unconventional but , a highly intelligent and cultured man , he lived it to the full and will be missed , especially by his sister Sue and nephew Christopher , but also by his many friends in England , Costa Rica and Morocco .
( Sue Dixon , David James 59-67 , and John Harper 55-64 )
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