I was really fortunate to have two standout teachers – Mrs Holmes and Mr Townsend. I loved both their lessons. Mrs Holmes taught business studies and Mr Townsend was the most proper English teacher.
I went to a grammar school with a great history, and Mr T wore his gown at all the functions. He was so strict and serious and everyone was quite wary of him. He did throw himself into his lessons though, and even back then at 14, I recognised that he loved his job, even though he often called us all reprobates!
Jenny Holmes was so refreshingly different to all the other teachers. She taught business studies, which I instantly fell for (#1 geek alert). I remember she came into teaching following a career in business and thought she was the best, and she drove a beautiful classic MG Healey Frogeye. She had been where I wanted to go – out into the big world of commerce, and we’d sit and talk about what her career was like before she turned up at my school. (She was most likely only in her 40’s, but back then I remember thinking how amazing she was for fitting in 2 careers into one life!)
Both of them taught me perspective – that its ok to move forward at a rate of knots, but to look back from time to time, as there’s always lessons in hindsight.
They also gave me time, something that back then I thought I have eons of, but wow where have those 30 years gone? The time they gave to listen to me, answer my questions and inspire my ambition has been the most valuable lesson, and one I hope I give to others.