Dearing, John

John "Dotty" Dearing

Dates at Bournemouth School: 1957 - 1965
House: Twynham
  • Prefect
  • CCF Cadet

John today

John studied: English Literature, History and Latin
John received the following accolades whilst at school:
  • A Level prize

After school, John went to: Taught at Homefield School for one and a half terms

John's biography:

Studied Eng Lit at York, taught for several years, then drifted into the Civil Service, morphed into a Marketing Manager iin the shipbuilding industry and spent thirty years as a management consultant specialising in maritime industries. I am active icommuntiy life in Reading and have written a number of books, mainly concerned with local history topics.

What was best about John's time at Bournemouth School?

Mainly my two and a half years in the 6th Form. I took part in school plays and debates etc. I was only made a prefect towards the end of my career and wasn’t a very good one – though I enjoyed the camaraderie of the Prefects Room and japes like prefects Odd Socks Day! Also the school trip to Italy I went on in 1964.

Who does John remember most fondly?

For English J M Swain, ‘Sammy’ Curtis, Roger Halls, for History J M Dixon and Ken Rogers and for Latin the incomparable Leonardo Pettoello. I also was taught by some of the more eccentric masters i.e. Jasper Dodds and Spike Whitaker. Students I kept in touch with in later life were Anthony Goulder, the late David Hopkinson and David Dawson.

What would John change about their time at Bournemouth School?

I never had an opportunity to use the language laboratory which might have made me a better foreign linguist.

What is John's favourite anecdote/most vivid memory?

None

John's final thoughts

It was all a long time ago!