As a newly qualified teacher in 1974, John appointed me as a music teacher to Knutsford County High School. It was  baptism of fire as in my first term the school had decided to produce the musical ‘Oliver!’  From the outset John was very supportive of the Arts and his calm manner, encouragement and professionalism meant I spent five years at Knutsford learning and refining my teaching style in a vibrant and forward looking school. I will always be grateful to John for his trust in me and through my experience under his leadership I was able to get a position as Head of Music in a brand new school in Macclesfield. Those early years at Knutsford remained with me throughout my 37 year teaching career and John’s leadership and encouragement played a great part in my own professional development.