IT'S difficult to write a short letter about Ernest Blewitt, former head of science at Hayward Grammar School, whose death was reported by the Bolton Evening News a few days ago.

Ernie was a man of many interests whose energy and enthusiasm touched so many of his pupils.

He was a marvellous chemistry teacher, and many of his pupils made careers in the chemical industry. Ernie and his colleagues made science a particularly strong subject at Hayward.

Ernie also ran a rambling club, and led many school parties, notably to the Lakes and Scotland. Any pupil joining one of Ernie's parties was assured of a great holiday, come rain or shine. One of his maxims when in Scotland was that the number of Munros (mountains over 3,000ft) that could be climbed in a day was directly proportional to the number of bowls of porridge eaten at breakfast. Vast amounts were eaten!

By today's standards Ernie was not very PC, and left many a snotty schoolboy's ear ringing with a slap. In spite of this, Ernie was well liked and respected, because he really did his best to make schooldays the best years of your life.

Thanks Ernie - it was a privilege to have known you.

John Connolly

On behalf of hundreds, if not thousands, of former pupils

Queens Avenue

Bromley Cross