The Old Bordenian Association

Bob was a pupil at Borden Grammar School from 1941 until 1948, after which he did his national service in the Army, and then went on to Cheltenham College for teacher training. His teaching career began at Borden Village School, followed by a spell at Middletune School and ending with roughly 20 years at Holy Trinity Primary School, where he was Deputy Head.

Bob had a great many interests in his life, but perhaps four stand out above the rest. Firstly he was a dedicated Member of the Association. A very modest man, he always felt grateful for what he thought the School had done for him, and more than repaid that debt by serving on the Committee for no fewer than 52 years! In that time he was variously the Hockey Club Representative, Membership Secretary and finally Editor of the Maroon, where his School and wide Sittingbourne connections helped him to produce a particularly friendly, ‘newsy’ type of magazine.

Secondly, he was a passionate sportsman – an accomplished hockey player and cricketer, and a keen supporter and follower of both games later in life. And when he was no longer able to participate, he was often seen devouring the pages of Wisden! His sporting exploits have given his many friends and his family a rich legacy of happy memories.

Thirdly, there was his commitment to the Church, especially to Holy Trinity, where he served as a church warden, PCC Member, Hall Trustee and, of course, as a teacher at the School. Worship was very important to him, not least through the Choir, which he joined as a boy-chorister in 1939 and in which he sang as a tenor for over 50 years. He always threw himself wholeheartedly into whatever activity was going on – fairs, fetes, plays and social events, and so on.

Finally, Bob was above all a dedicated family man. He married Ann in 1961, and had a daughter, two sons and three grandchildren.

At his funeral on 21^st May, his son, Tim, himself an Old Bordenian, paid an eloquent and moving tribute on behalf of all the family, during which he quoted many examples of the care, love and devotion which his father had shown throughout their lives.

Blessed with a healthy sense of humour and an outgoing nature, Bob was the one of the most companionable of men, a prominent and popular member of the whole community. His death has left a huge void in the lives of his family and countless friends.