John Hughes, Head's 1954 - 1957 (May 2019)

John Hughes

I suppose that each generation of OLs would argue that their particular time at Lancing could be singled out as the Golden Era.

John was an exceptional sportsman, a huge sport fanatic, and this passion endured from early childhood, and won him School Colours at cricket, football, Eton fives and numerous House colours.

Lancing master Ken Shearwood asked John's class to write a newspaper column on a fictitious football match.  John's essay was the best Ken had ever marked. He was about to read it out to the class, when John held up a finger and asked if he could do it.  John read slowly at first but built up to an exciting crescendo.  "MacVoy passed to their winger, Farlane, who shimmied past two defenders and crossed to Fredericks, who.....".  John acted out every pass with enthusiasm and passion, and the whole class erupted when the goal was finally scored.

Ollie Longhurst, also at Lancing, was a lifelong friend (who sadly died in a car accident in South Africa).  His father, the famous golfer, Henry Longhurst, recognised John's absolute passion, not only in playing, but also commentating on sport.  He encouraged him on his journalistic career, in which he was an absolute natural.  His early life must have been difficult with his father dying when John was young, but he was always the optimist, and stood out amongst the crowd.  He was fiercely competitive.

He started with the Worthing Herald, and his enthusiasm and success prompted him to become a prominent sports journalist on the radio, television and newsprint.  John was a life long Notts County supporter.  His career took him to Rhodesia, where his wife Pat joined him when their daughter, Sally, was six weeks old.  Here, he worked as a sports editor on the morning newspaper.  This was followed by a move to Plymouth, where he worked for Westward television, then on to Southampton, plus anywhere else that had a story to tell.

To John, all the world was a stage, as long as it was staged on a playing field.

Besides being a very talented batsman, he was also a notable spin bowler.  He practised his spin bowling by flicking a Marmite jar over his shoulder and catching it with his left hand!  This dexterity made him also a fine wicket keeper.  John had an infectious charm, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of all sports would liven up any conversation.  He interviewed many international sports persons, and kept a record in his "little black book", and it is fitting that this was placed with him in his casket.

Sadly he had a severe heart attack in 2007, and spent many years convalescing with the help of his devoted wife. 

He leaves a widow, Pat, (his wife of 57 years), a daughter Sally, a son Simon and two grandchildren Katie and Jack, much loved by all.

Obituaries are always difficult to write because of the individual's sense of loss, however, in John's case this would be a disservice to him as his enthusiasm for life was infectious and inspirational, and that is how we should honour him

 

Marcus, Richard and Anthony Connell