I would like to thank the Old Theocsbrian Society for allowing me to be their president for 2019-20.
I was born in Pencoed Wales and moved to Tewkesbury in 1958 when my dad took a job at the NCB Research Establishment Stoke Orchard. We settled and became of the Welsh contingent at Canterbury Leys, where my parents lived until their deaths in 1999/2000. After attending Trinity Infants and Chance Street schools l studied at TGS from 1965 to 1972.
I have many fond memories of Southwick Park and my year was the last to be able to complete their full seven years at the school. After completing my A levels l embarked on studying a BSc Geography degree at what was then Plymouth Polytechnic. After graduation 1976 saw me back in Tewkesbury working at Dowty Mining Ashchurch saving money so that l might complete a PGCE and become a teacher.
After successfully studying at St Paul's Cheltenham during 1977 l started my teaching career at Chase Terrace Comprehensive School, Staffordshire in September 1977. I subsequently put down roots in Staffordshire, marrying a fellow teacher Gillian and raising a family of two daughters.
A move of school saw me become a Head of Department and later l also worked as a County Advisory Teacher for Geography, a Senior Teacher and consultant for the Geographical Association.
Since retirement in 2014 l have kept myself busy playing crown green bowls, fishing, tending my allotment, motorcycling and going away in our motor caravan. Since my parents death my visits to Tewkesbury have become less frequent but l look forward to meeting old friends and making new ones as l re acquaint myself with the town during my year as President. I again thank you for bestowing on me the honour of being your President during the coming year Stephen Thomas 1965-72