Hugh Woodcock RIP

[George Szaszvari]

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Hugh Woodcock, former Headmaster of Dulwich College Preparatory School, London, where I spent many happy years as school chess coach and organizer.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituar ... dcock.html

It was the recommendation of Andrew Martin that started my junior coaching career off at DCPS (initially as his stand in reserve coach, Andrew handing over the reins after a year or two.) Hugh Woodcock ran the school like the captain of a ship, commanding great respect and authority, demonstrating incomparable leadership, often intimidating for strangers, yet, once one knew him he was totally approachable and unstuffy. His stature was one of being a bastion of British culture (that is now so popular to sneer at) that, at the time, was appreciated not only by parents, staff and associates connected to the school, but also throughout educational establishments nationwide. Hugh Woodcock became incredibly supportive of my efforts at DCPS, resulting in a valuable contribution to the general promotion of junior chess along with many similar efforts throughout the country by other chess advocates, something I hope is not forgotten. It is worthy of note considering that chess was an extra curricula activity in a powerhouse of learning and traditional values. Mr Woodcock made the school premises available to me for several chess ventures, including visits from foreign junior teams during holiday periods, without which help such projects would have been non-starters.

A towering figure in the world of independent preparatory schools, Mr Woodcock had to stay on several years after looking to retire, so very difficult was it to fill his shoes, eventually to be succeeded by George Marsh, Headmaster of Edgarly Hall, the prep school of Millfield School, Glastonbury. Hugh Woodcock became a tremendously important part of my life in personal ways that cannot be overestimated, so his passing has great significance for me, as I'm sure it has for many others who also had the privilege of knowing and working with him. RIP.