Some memories of John Cole
From Tim Hancock:
Dear Michael
Thank you for
keeping us informed. I am very sad to hear the news of John’s
passing. I remember him with the greatest affection. Firstly
as a marvellous and inspiring teacher in the classroom. I was
fortunate to have John teach me in the 3rd form, and then
again for Further Maths in the 6th Form. It was
John’s example and influence which has led me to spend my working
life teaching Maths. I still use his methods and his quips and
jokes, which continue to serve the classroom well.
Secondly, as a
friend for many years after I left school. He kindly hosted
myself and others of my 6th form group at Privett Road on
several occasions. He and Irene showed us great hospitality and we
always had marvellous fun. John came to my college whilst I
was an undergraduate and joined in our Old Priceans Dinner.
Thirdly, as a
stalwart of the Old Priceans. We met on many occasions at
functions organised for the Old Boys and it was always a tremendous
pleasure to meet up with John.
John was a
wonderful person with a warm and generous personality. I feel
his influence very much at my shoulder. He will be much
missed.
Best wishes
Tim
From Francis Thomas:
Dear Michael,
I was sorry to learn of John Cole's death. He never taught me but I
was involved in all the G and S shows which started in 1962, the
year after the copyright expired. I was in the second form then and
my voice had not broken so Ron Boote conscripted me as rehearsal
accompanist. Thereafter I sang in all the shows up to 1968, the year
after I left, when I was Lord Mountararat in Iolanthe, a somewhat
confusing experience because only a few weeks previously I had been
playing Private Willis in the same opera at the Arts Theatre in
Cambridge. In the 1962 production, 'Patience', all the principal
roles were taken by staff with the exception of Bob Gilbert, but by
the time I left it was mainly pupils apart from John Cole who was
basically the only person in the school who could sing a tenor solo.
I remember him telling me that he always felt he sang best after a
hard day's teaching. He was a lovely guy, totally devoid of malice
and will be much missed.
Kind regards,
Francis Thomas (1961)