John Mahoney
Dates at Bournemouth School: 1965 - 1988House: Hambledon
- Head of Department
- Head of House
| John today |
John taught: English
John's duties whilst at school:
- Editor of school magazines
- Hockey
- Ski trips
- Sixth Form Youth Speaks - public speaking competitions
John's biography:
My request for early retirement was granted in 1988. This enabled me to pursue a long awaited new career in travel, initially backwards and forwards to Australia, my birthplace. With the support of my wife Christine we organised and accompanied groups of travellers on month-long holidays to well known and lesser known regions of this great continent. As the demand for group travel grew, we widened the scope of our destinations to include New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Hawaii and Canada.
At the same time I was approached by three French companies, including the European Space Agency, to set up one-to-one English courses for executives in our home. Somehow we managed to fit all this in during our non-travelling time over a period of 19 busy and enjoyable years. Yes, fellow retirees, there is life after school teaching!
What was best about John's time at Bournemouth School?
Camaraderie of great colleagues and the company of talented students coming from so many varied backgrounds.
Living 100 yards from School! Such a relief after driving in morning rush hour to teach in my former school in Maidenhead.
Who does John remember most fondly?
There are numerous members of staff to mention, but one stands out for his loyalty to the school and inspiration to all: John Hawkins, “Happy Harry”, whose warmth and kindness, cheerful encouragement and commitment to BS will always be remembered by those who knew him.
I especially feel privileged to have worked with so many inspiring students.
What is John's favourite anecdote/most vivid memory?
An end of term prank when burly leavers quietly manhandled a staff member’s cherished Austin 7 up to the top of the main staircase.
Photographing the devastating school fire at night, May 1973.
A small boy knocking staff room door and asking for Mr. Persecution (Mr Cushion).




