A few words from former pupil Dennis Biggs on the passing of Bill Brushe ....
Sadly I have to report that our modern languages teacher from the 1950s Mr. W.T. Brushe has passed away at the age of 93 after a short illness. At school I did not have a close relationship with him and it is only in the past few years when I joined Cliff Dunkley and Bob Gregory on their annual visit to his home in Ware, Herts that I got to know him more closely. We used to go to a pub in the countryside near his home and wine and dine him and talk about our years together at the School. I was surprised how sprightly he was and how sharp his memories were of us and our classmates.
Bill came to City Boys in 1952 as the Head of the Modern Languages Dept following the departure of Arthur Nockels. He was an "old school teacher", strong on discipline and with at times a quick "Irish" temper, so you did not mess about with him. He was known to mete out immediate punishment for anyone who upset him. I recall one lad who had to stand with arms raised holding two heavy books, because he was caught throwing a book, if I recall correctly.
He was from Northern Ireland and had studied at Trinity College, Dublin and the Sorbonne in Paris. He was a keen bridge player and was in charge of the life saving and swimming events during his time with us.He also took parties of boys to the continent during the late 50s.
When he left City Boys he took up a similar position at Hertford Grammer School where stayed until he retired.Bill had good memories of City Boys School and spoke of his time in Leicester with deep fondness.
His wife Jeannie, whom he met at Infants School is still at the same Nursing Home in Ware . Bill had 2 sons, one of whom John visited him regularly from his home in Milton Keynes.....
