The teachers we remember are often larger-than-life characters. My friend Don Hollingsworth, who has died aged 83 of cancer, was one such. He was an amusing and talented man who will remain long in the memories and affections of his pupils and colleagues.
Born in Heanor, Derbyshire, Don trained as a teacher at Westminster College, London. He was appointed to his first headship at the early age of 28 and learned the names of all the children in his village school in the space of his first day. He soon graduated to be head of a much bigger one, Pixmore junior school, in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. In 1967, Don was appointed Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools (HMI) and in 1974 was promoted to be staff inspector for primary education in England, overseeing the work of other inspectors.
In the 1970s, he set up and managed the Middle Schools Surveys of 8-12 and 9-13 schools. Between 1983 and 1986, he represented England at the Council of Europe project Primary Education in Western Europe.
In retirement, in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and latterly in Winchester, Hampshire, he quickly made friends who were seduced by his tea parties, his ability to play badminton and bridge, and not least by his ready wit. He was a keen bridge player and when no longer able to play himself due to illness, he gained satisfaction by analysing the summary of the day's hands. Don had a particular liking for the tango and was still honing his steps when ill health forced him to give it up.
Don maintained his quirky sense of humour. A friend recalled taking him to the oncology department during his treatment for cancer. Disabled parking places were very limited and a space was eventually found. Before his driver left to find a wheelchair Don asked: "Do you think we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves?" They were parked outside bereavement counselling.
Don's wife, Daphne, whom he married in 1950, died in 1994. Don is survived by their daughters, Ann, Judith and Marian, two sons, Tony and Robert, 11 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.