Ilfracombe Art College

LONG serving teachers Tim Hodge and Kevin Cook have said goodbye to colleagues at Ilfracombe Arts College.

Tim graduated from the University of Wales with a degree in history and did his teaching certificate at Exeter University before gaining his first teaching job in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, in 1976.

It was during his four years there that he met and married Theresa.

They moved to Ilfracombe in 1981 when Tim took up an appointment with the college.

He has taught a variety of subjects over the years — including social education, sociology, government and politics, PE and citizenship — and served as house head and a deputy year head.

However, his passion has always been history and he said he was fortunate to be head of history for many years.

During that time he was asked to contribute to a series of text books for 11-14 year olds and later to write for A Level students on Irish history.

He said: “One of the most enjoyable experiences was the annual trip to Dublin with our 6th form. I have lived in Ilfracombe all the time I have been working at the college and feel privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the country and be part of the community.

“I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to play football for West Down and Combe Martin and cricket for Ilfracombe in the local North Devon leagues.

“I have served as Union representative and elected staff governor at the college.

“I was honoured to be chairman of governors of Ilfracombe Infants when the inspirational Mary Trewin was appointed head teacher.

“In fact, living and working in Ilfracombe has allowed me to make many valuable friendships. Now is the time to move on and meet new challenges in the field of education.

“I expect the pace to be much slower but I intend to be busy and occupied for the foreseeable future.”

Colleague Kevin Cook has retired from teaching but doesn’t intend to put his feet up.

His primary aim now is to surf and ski paddle around his beloved North Devon coast.

Born in Ilfracombe and having attended Ilfracombe Grammar School, Kevin undertook his teacher training and degree at Padgate College and Manchester University where he studied physical education and German.

He then obtained a teaching post at the newly-built Ilfracombe School and Community College in September 1973.

Teaching German and French enabled him to establish a school exchange between Ilfracombe and Herxheim in Germany which flourished for 36 years and went on to become a full town twinning in 1980.

Working as a lifeguard on Woolacombe beach during the holidays led to a wanderlust which resulted in a seven-summer teaching interlude working and surfing extensively in Australia, France and Morocco.

Upon his return, and having married Annie, Kevin resumed teaching at Ilfracombe, meeting the challenges of a variety of different subjects including woodwork, music, languages and PE.

After a year at Bideford College he returned to Ilfracombe to teach PE for the next 20 years before finally assuming responsibility as Head of ICT.

During his career he has also enjoyed a fulfilling pastoral role as Head of Year, engaging with three cohorts of students on their educational journey.

He was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship in 1983 and obtained his MEd from Exeter University in 1997.

Having enjoyed an active career involving rugby, orienteering, surfing, canoeing and other outdoor activities, Kevin has always sought to “wear out” rather than “rust out” and is a current Masters Surf Life Saving National Champion.

He has also played a key role in organising the college’s snow sports trips.

He said he had thoroughly enjoyed his teaching career and it had been a privilege to have been part of the lives of so many at Ilfracombe.