Michael Hughes, Second's 1945-1949 (June 2014)

Michael Hughes

Rupert Hughes (Second’s 1948–1953) writes: After leaving Second’s in 1948 as Head of House, Michael was commissioned during National Service in the Royal Army Education Corps. This set him on his career as a teacher for 40 years or so. He was well liked by his pupils, many of whom kept up with him in later life. After nearly 20 years of retirement in Field Dalling, Norfolk, he died on 9 June 2014 aged 82. After reading Greats at Worcester College, Oxford, Michael entered the teaching profession. In 1960 he took up his third post, a House Tutor at Gresham's Junior School in Holt, coupled with Classics teaching in the Senior School. In 1965 Michael was promoted to Housemaster and then Headmaster. In 1978 he left Gresham's for St Wilfred's, Seaford as Headmaster. His final post was as Director of Studies at St Andrew's, Eastbourne, from which he retired in 1995. As a Field Dalling resident he played an active role in local life. For some years he was Treasurer of the Holt and Neighbourhood Housing Society as well as Treasurer of the Field Dalling 200 club. He was a volunteer with Glaven Caring and a Summer Fete stalwart. His funeral was in Field Dalling church on 23 June. The service was taken by The Revd Peter Bowles who described Michael as reserved and self-effacing, but full of ability conscientiousness and humour whilst also possessing a great love of music. He would have appreciated Purcell's Thou Knowest Lord sung by Gresham's choristers. Tributes from fellow teachers were read.