DEATHS AND OBITUARIES he also constructed two barrows with handmade wheels . Former Head of Drama , Alan Heaven , can remember John recounting how the wheels were the hardest thing he had ever done . The barrows still exist in the theatre and are emblazoned with an advert for JD Williamson & Co .
Christopher David Wilcher ( 51-55 ), known as Chris , enjoyed his time at Pocklington School and was a keen sportsman with a passion for cricket .
Described as a ‘ useful all-rounder ’, he opened the bowling for the 1st XI gaining his colours in 1955 . Whilst at school , he was also actively involved in the CCF , the Photography Society and the Science Society .
After Pocklington , he went on to qualify as a chartered accountant where he worked in industry completing his career with Hickson International in Castleford .
He continued to enjoy both cricket and golf , playing golf at county level . He was captain at Ilkley Golf Club and later secretary of Alwoodley Golf Club .
He died on 17 July 2023 and leaves a widow , Julie , three children and six grandchildren .
( Deborah Hayward )
John Williamson ( Former Support Staff , 82-07 ) joined Pocklington School in 1982 as a technician in the Design department . After the opening of the Tom Stoppard Theatre ( TST ) in 2000 , he worked between both the Design and Drama departments for a short while before transferring fully to the latter where he remained until his retirement in 2007 .
As a new teacher at the school in 1990 , Steve Ellis ’ first clear memory of John was of him helping a student to modify an old 250MZ motorcycle engine to install into the boys ’ one-man hovercraft . John spent a lot of extra hours helping students beyond the classroom and he was the go-to person for metal fabrication and machining , being a very accurate and skilled machinist ; Steve still remembers John ’ s patience in teaching him to use the oxy-acetylene welding set in a safe and workmanlike manner .
In the theatre , John was more than just a technician ; he was the builder of many extraordinary sets , continuing the work he had done when all drama was held in what is now the Music School . Memorable designs included the set for the Bacchae in the Music School which reached up into the balcony via a huge staircase ; the pier for Romeo and Juliet in the TST ; and a London Street for My Fair Lady for which
John made a significant contribution to the school ’ s extracurricular activities . He was a founding member of the Pocklington School Archery Club which ran for almost 30 years . He put so much energy , enthusiasm , and dedication into making it a success and keeping the equipment safe and functional , spending many hours re-fletching arrows after students had bent them out of shape ! He was the provider of the fun elements too , making many unusual targets from flour-filled balloons to plastic water bottles and straw-filled sacks . On one memorable occasion , he even made a full-sized archer as a target when the school hosted the Royal Armouries ’ Towton Archery presentation .
John was also a founder member of ‘ Solstice ’, the School ’ s Yorkshire Longsword Morris side , for which he played the melodeon , advised on dances , and made most of the props , applying his huge knowledge and experience of music and traditional dance .
In retirement , John busied himself making a largescale railway to run around his garden , and a barrel organ ! He always maintained his interest in the school and what everyone was doing .
John was a craftsman and a maker through and through as well as being a talented folk musician . He had a real enthusiasm for passing on his own passion and skills to the students as well as encouraging everybody ’ s need to plan ahead . A true inspiration , his work was detailed , his organisation precise , and his attention to detail exquisite .
He will be sadly missed . ( Alan Heaven , Steve Ellis )
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