This month we came together in John's local pub in Oxfordshire and shared our personal reminisces of what I call, the Champion for Primary Education. John's life experiences and skills of being a class teacher, headteacher, Inspector, University lecturer and administrator of teacher trainees put him in a unique position to argue the case for primary education. He did not squander that position for a moment. When he was not carrying out his regular work in schools and with students, he kept NAPE going to further the cause. After the formation of NAPE, John was the instigator of the Primary First journal, the Primary Umbrella group of subject associations, supporter of the festival of voices and many other initiatives.

At the pub, Hilary, his daughter, presented poignant pictures of John growing-up, followed by slides of his professional journey (now available on NAPE's YouTube site). It reminds us of not only our own mortality but also what an impact John had on us all from the local school, as senior advisor in Oxfordshire to lecture halls across the country. John used his life to the full for all those working in primary schools. In recognition of his sacrifice, NAPE is working hard on bringing to life, John's writing. This will be published a special Primary First Journal edition of archive material and a book in 2025.  

God rest you well, John after a well-earned, long innings.

YouTube Link