Music teacher ‘stunned’ to receive award after 50 years of dedicated service

My Wokingham spoke to Clive while he was indulging in one of his hobbies, fishing near the New Forest.

He said: “The presentation night was a fantastic evening. I got to meet some friends again that I had not seen for a while. My fellow recipient was there with some friends of her own and it turned out I had taught them.”

After teaching for 50 years and working with more than 1,000 children every year since the mid-80s, that happens a lot to Clive. “People I’ve taught are literally everywhere. When I had my Covid jab I had taught the nurse’s children. My mortgage was arranged by someone I had taught.”

He has also worked with many wellknown people including Dave Arch of Strictly Come Dancing fame although admits that he has yet to get to the recording studios to watch an episode.

He took early retirement in 2002 due to some health issues but after having some treatment, he showed no signs of slowing down. “It seemed like the right moment to call it a day. My school South Lake Juniors and Infants was being amalgamated to become a primary but as I started to feel better, I produced some large-scale concerts called Music for All for Local Education Authorities in Wokingham, Reading, Maidenhead and Ascot. It was a very interesting time.”

Clive, whose passion is percussion and piano, is heavily involved in the Reading Male Voice Choir and has been for 52 years. “They are a fantastic bunch of people with a vast age range from 40 to 94. The fact that the 94-year-old travels by train from Oxford to be part of the group is testament to how important it is to its members.”

When he heard about the award he admits to being stunned. “I had no idea – it took me very much by surprise. I was privileged and humbled that someone would take the time and effort to nominate me.” And he admits to having a sneaky suspicion about who did nominate him.

David’s two children have gone in various directions – his son runs a computer firm and his daughter worked at Buckingham Palace before a career in Parliament for 11 years and now works for the National Trust. His two grandchildren, who attend Waingels Copse School have been part of his concerts with the eldest, Jessica, performing solos.

“I didn’t do Music for All this year and it was strange watching someone else at the helm after so many years.”

After meeting up with Vickie at the presentation, the Reading Male Voice Choir is hoping to stage a concert in support of her charity, Kaleidoscopic UK in the near future. And he says he

Action’ and ‘Wokingham for Refugees’ we gathered everything needed to do this. Volunteers helped me strip wallpaper, paint, donated furniture, clothes and toys per house to welcome a family into our community. It was a huge added bonus to then be able to greet some of the families at the airport and help with their resettlement as well as organising events for them such as Eid and Christmas or trips to the beach in summer. They are all such incredible people, and it is a true honour to be a small part of their journeys.”

Vickie added: “So many people have been a part of helping me personally and professionally.

Without those who give their love, time or donations and get involved my work would not be possible -they truly are incredible. The support has been amazing in all areas, and I can’t thank them enough!

“I would like to dedicate the award to all survivors of abuse and trauma and highlight that abuse/trauma may change us but it doesn’t have to define us. With the right support we can go from surviving to thriving.”

Vickie spoke to My Wokingham’s Jacky Hayler will treasure the medal and its accompanying paperwork, which he has taken copies of to share with family and friends.

But it is the lady in his life who he says he owes the most to. Having celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary last year, David says his wife Anita has been a fantastic support to him over the years. “I am very lucky to have her,” he said.

The couple, who met at college, say the secret of their success is keeping a detailed diary as there is still so much they are involved in. And with no plans to slow down any time soon, David concluded: “I am just stunned by the whole thing really.”