Tributes paid to devoted teacher

Mr Roy Arthur Adams died at Royal Blackburn Hospital aged 83 years.

After National Service and gaining a geography degree at Sheffield University, Mr Adams joined Clitheroe Royal Grammar School in 1953, and quickly became one of the outstanding personalities on the staff.

Always a lively and stimulating teacher, he slipped easily into the role of junior form master, developing an instant rapport with boys in their first year at secondary school.

Subsequently, as the head of the geography department, he was responsible for introducing the new revised syllabus, and made it a popular choice for many sixth-formers.

Later, when an increasing number of boys were aiming for higher education, he took on the role of careers advisor and guided many through their university applications to a successful outcome.

He also played a significant part in school games, running football and cricket teams, and he started a rugby XV as an alternative for boys whose talent lay in that direction.

Appointed deputy headmaster in 1977, he proved a popular and highly capable leader of the staff team, respected both for his helpful, considerate manner and his engaging sense of fun.

When in 1983 an interregnum occurred, he was the obvious choice for acting headmaster, a role he filled with his customary efficiency and sensitivity, taking up the duties of deputy again two years later, to assist the new head in the delicate task of combining the boys’ and girls’ grammar schools.

The relatively smooth transfer owed a great deal to Mr Adams’ tactful negotiation. He spent much time and effort keeping contact with the school’s old boys on behalf of the Old Clitheronians’ Association, and in 1989 it made him its president in recognition of all he had done to promote lasting links between the school and its former pupils.

Despite all the demands of school and out-of-school time, he was no less a family man, who made sure of being there for his wife, Margery, and their three children, and later, for the grandchildren who adored him.

Friends and colleagues of Mr Adams have been paying tribute.

“Roy was a man of great integrity, who demanded high standards of himself and expected it in others, but all was done with careful consideration and a lively sense of humour, which endeared him to colleagues and pupils alike, and indeed to all who knew him. He will be sadly missed,” said one.

He is survived by his wife, daughters Julie and Wendy, son Martin, son-in-laws Stephen and Karl, daughter-in-law Lara and grandchildren Max, Sam, Sarah and William.

A private family cremation service will be held tomorrow (Friday) at Accrington Crematorium, followed by a Thanksgiving service at St Bartholomews Church, Great Harwood at 3-30 p.m.