Richard Elgood (M 68-72).

David Marshall (M 66-88) has kindly submitted the following.

“It is with great sadness, that I heard in March of the death, from leukaemia, of Richard Elgood, an exemplary teacher of English and producer of plays at the school from 1968 to 1972; and a great personal friend. This tenure may seem a brief one at a place then known for its long-stayers, but Richard’s impact was, nevertheless, enormous.

He joined the school in the January term, 1968, as a student teacher to complete the practical component of his university Diploma of Education course; then became full-time in September that same year. He and I were housed at No.11, Lonsdale Terrace - Stag Hall. So, there was the English Dept, both teachers in their giddy, mid-20s, and each with a deep love for our chosen subject. His interest in Swift and Coleridge complemented mine for Chaucer and Donne and led to much midnight oiling (and beer), and argument (and to the annoyance of the third resident of No 11).

But Richard’s main interest was the theatre and the production of plays. Born and bred in Birmingham, he had Stratford-on-Avon on his doorstep and took full advantage of that. Then, by the time he came to St Bees, modern drama and the plays of Harold Pinter dominated his attention. He would talk passionately about his works; when asked why he was not considering producing one of Pinter’s plays at the school, ‘I wouldn’t dare’ was his reply, such was his awe of the man. But glance down the list of Richard’s productions - and what followed him - and along with ‘’Dr Faustus’’, we had Max Frisch’s “Fire Raisers” and Heller’s “We Bombed in Newhaven”; both striking productions that helped sire an impressive number of pupils to opt for the theatrical life for their future professions. Then, Peter Broadhurst following Richard as producer, gave us “Godot”, Becket, “Black Comedy”, Schaffer P, “Ghost Sonata”, Strindberg and “R&G are Dead”, and Stoppard.

Through these, Beghian drama was in the making of a ‘Great Tradition’ of its own.

Along with his sharp intellect, Richard was a deeply emotional man. Just about everything he put his hand to, he gave a full commitment; once a production was over, then came the dismantling of the set, a job for all involved in the production. To him, this was a most depressing time, like dismantling a life, he once said. I know there were tears from a number involved, such had been the all-round commitment. I also know that his teaching did, at times, suffer, so preoccupied had he become in the play!

Richard’s extra-curricular involvement also reflected his interests and talents. Brian Howard had much to say of his tennis - if not of his singing; then, he readily took to the golf course, and was totally at home in the fells, for long tramps and rock climbing. His opening the staff batting also had its moments. Indeed, he took to most sports and readily gave of his time for the pupils’ involvement. It was hardly surprising, then, that he became a keen skier; holiday times had the two of us taking to the Alps in that lovely fast car of his; and once, rather against his will, we even made it to Venice - my turn at the wheel - on our way back from the Dolomites.

Richard was a shy man, an introvert, and this sensitivity made for a teacher who could be aware and responsive to the needs of the individual, but it did take its toll on his own emotional well-being. It was after the long summer holiday that he returned to the school, and into immediate need of medical care and a period of recuperation. He then felt obliged to submit his resignation. 

It is now 52 years since Richard left St Bees, I am shocked to realise. To those who had a foot in those times, please forgive any error you may find in the above; but my grateful thanks to Chris Whitby (SH 66-70), James Mansfield (SH 71-78), Rob Mason (G 68-72) and Clive Mendus (FN 68-73), who contributed mightily.

To Thomas, Richard’s son and his family go our sincere condolences at this, a time of sadness and of celebration.”

Photos of Richard may be seen at the Foundation South Reunion Dinner in 2015 here.

 

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