Don Woodhouse (1927-2006)
Don joined the staff of KEGS as Head of Physics in 1955, from the County School along with the 1955 intake. He served at Vinefields until 1972, enjoying the luxury of a new Science Block from 1962. He went on to Grove Road in 1972 and retired some years later.
We in the Old Burians will miss his loyal support. He was one of a handful of ex-KEGS staff who continued to attend both the AGM and the Reunion Dinner every year (over a fifty-year period), until his final illness.
In tributes received, he was remembered by many of the O-level and A-level physicists as one enthusiastic about his subject. The consummate teacher, his lessons were delivered with that touch of dry humour that made them enjoyable and memorable. He offered Saturday morning “crammer sessions” for those who requested extra help.
His extra-mural School Camera Club was recalled, many happy hours being spent in the dark room with varying degrees of success in attempting to produce the one-off masterpiece! He sparked a lifelong interest in photography in many a pupil. His other major loves – cycling, bird-watching and astronomy (he was one who could use the observatory on the Athenaeum roof) – were all shared with the same enthusiasm.
He and his wife Pat worked together locally for the Open University and calmed the nerves of many examination candidates over a number of years.