David Matthews 1941-2021

David will be remembered with deep affection and admiration as a dedicated and inspiring teacher. Colleagues valued his energy, and the generosity with which he shared his insights and ideas. Many of his pupils have recalled the way he enthused them and how through his encouragement and skill they were able to aspire to success in academic and other careers.

His passion was English literature. Having read English while at Fitzwilliam (1960-63), where he was also involved in the life of the chapel, he went on to gain a PGCE at Cambridge. He taught at Nottingham High School (1968-81), Manchester Grammar (1981-85) and was Deputy Head at St Olave's Grammar in Kent (1985-88).

He had the gift of sharing his love of literature in a way that drw those who heard him, both youngsters and adults, into the life of the text, its narrative and its characters. He made them live. It was not by chance, for he always prepared with great thoroughness and intellectual rigour. Young people knew he took them seriously, not talking down to them but conversing with them. In later years he was much involved in literary adult classes with the WEA where his skill and literary insight were greatly appreciated.

He was also a gifted, energetic and diligent producer of plays, both with his pupils and also with adults, drawing acting ability out of sometimes unlikely performers.

Many people have reason to be very grateful for David's love of books, plays and poetry and his ability to share that love.