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
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article