Paul Maddams

The sad and sudden loss of Paul Maddams has hit the school hard. Much has already been said about his many excellent qualities and his willingness to contribute to the whole Thorndon community. It is particularly sad that Paul had only just begun to make a telling contribution to the governing body.

Paul had done a lot of voluntary work over the summer with ‘the gang’ fixing, painting etc. His contribution to the Class 1 trip to Bury is also fondly remembered by the staff who attended. They thought him a lovely man, having spent the day in his company. His spirit and attitude was best summed up when I wanted to clear Class one of furniture at short notice in the summer. I’d already managed to get Charles Coulson to help me and he rang Paul to see if he was available, but he wasn’t back from his business travels then. However within half an hour he appeared shooting straight up here on arriving back home and we cleared the room in no time. I am glad I was able to share a pint in the pub after our toils.

My final meeting with him was the Friday before he died. He was seeking guidance in compiling the Annual Report to Governors, which he had agreed to help Nick with. He left me on a high note by saying that the report should contain a lot of positive things, as we seem to have done so much in the last year. He contributed to this and I’m sure we will find a fitting way to remember him by.

Stephen Robbins (Headteacher)

Coming soon, interesting things about the people at our school......including the teachers!