In November 2019 I met David for the first time in 40 years. He recognised me and commented on how I had changed. So had he, he no longer looked the fresh faced teenager I once taught but was now a middle aged man in his 50s! His opening remark was “I’m very concerned about the planet, we must take steps now”. He then mentioned Greta Thomburg, the teenage Swedish activist. This was a departure from the David I once knew who talked about the Solar System , Dr Who or fantasised about things that he did.

If I had been asked to name a number of pupils/ students who I could readily recall during my 40 year teaching career, David would certainly feature. What a character !  

At school David enjoyed his own company and approached others on his own terms, initiating the conversation; his vocabulary and comprehension was in advance  of his peers. In class he was on the periphery; he had a mischievous sense of humour and derived pleasure from seeing the consequences of someone else’s misdemeanours.

He could be difficult at times both at home and at school so it was important always to be one step ahead of him. Once when he refused to do his work, he stayed behind after school to catch up. He would then state “ I know my punishment Mr Dove if I don’t work”. I’m not sure why but David was the only student who preferred to call the staff by their surnames.

David enjoyed woodwork, which was one of his strengths and through this activity he was extremely good at problem solving. He made a chopping board for his mother, a nail and screw tray for his dad and a lamp stand for his bedroom. Although he didn’t enjoy PE, he learnt to swim without aids. Another pleasing aspect of David’s development was his social skills, setting up his Teasmade and making his parents  a cups of tea, loading and unloading the dishwasher, answering the phone and taking basic messages. He also learnt how to catch a bus, do his shopping and walk to his aunt’s. 

One story I particularly liked was when David wanted to vote in the parish council elections; the following day it was announced that the winning candidate won by one vote! 

At times David was sympathetic and seemed to know when his mother wasn’t feeling well; on these occasions he would support her.

David came from a loving, caring and supportive home and in return he enriched and enhanced the family. 

David’s parents made an invaluable contribution to Mencap and to the life of Penrose School; this  included the establishment of the first respite scheme for parents with disabled children in the county. I wondered whether it was their deep commitment to the handicapped over many years which influenced their change of careers?  

Sadly, David is no longer with you but I am sure you will all have happy memories of him, which will keep him alive in your hearts.

I look back at my time at Penrose with affection and in particular being David’s teacher. 

Thinking of you at this time.

Stuart (Dove)