Martin Nicholson Former teacher 1967-1991
Tuesday 15 October 2024
Mr Heald writes from the 1991 magazineMartin Nicholson came to HCS, as Head of theMathematics' Department, in 1967. What that meantfor those who were here at the time and who thereforehad to face a new regime, I do not know. What is certain is that Martin did not take long to settle in; trueHerefordian generosity made his welcome a foregoneconclusion. He, unmarried then as now, immediately enteredinto everything which the School and City had to offerand which appealed to him. For some years he was anenthusiastic violin and viola player, joining groups inHCS, and outside as well; he sang in the ChoralSociety and in School choirs; he eagerly took part inmany other kinds of activities, even though hesometimes admitted that he had never tried thembefore. He was responsible for much highly successfulcanoeing on the Wye, and above all, perhaps, he wasinstrumental in organising trips abroad, including thevery popular annual ski parties, and for taking groupsof Herefordians further afield: Europe, North America- nowhere was safe! The success of all these can betraced very easily to Martin's infectious enthusiasms;indeed, if there is one word which, for me, sums up hisattitude to life, it is that word "enthusiasm". There hassurely never been a person more determined than he toextract everything possible from any venture, great orsmall. A small point; he must, I believe, have an ironconstitution, as he seems to make it a rule that "whenin Rome . . ."; where others shy away from samplinglocal cuisine, Martin invariably returns from hiswanderings with tale of trying the most extraordinarydishes, relishing then all, and surviving when lessermortals would have tummy troubles for weeksafterwards! I am sure that there is a lesson to be learntfrom this: follow Martin Nicholson's attitude andbenefit greatly in experience of differing cultures.Of his work in the classroom, there are many whoare in a far better position that I to comment. If 'O'and 'A' level results are, however, a good guide, thenhis ability in this important sphere was highlysuccessful - not an easy act to follow.Martin Nicholson is one of this world's realcharacters of whom there are too few. We wish himevery success and great happiness in Zimbabwe.During the 24 or so years at HCS he twice hadsabbatical years in Australia; now he goes to Africawhere he will undoubtedly add to his list of friendsworld wide, and where his talents as an excellentphotographer will help him enormously to make hisreports on life there even more lively than previousreports - if that is possible. He is a natural raconteur,and we shall look forward eagerly to his return toEngland so that we can once against listen to hisstories of travels abroad. Meanwhile, what Herefordloses, Harare gains; lucky Harare!