Biography of Michael Hodges

Michael passed away on 17th March, 2009 after a short illness. He followed his dad to Shrewsbury where he was a contemporary of William Rushton and Richard Ingrams et al. A keen sportsman - particularly in cricket, football and rugby. He did his National Service with the Royal Welch Fusiliers where, as he said, his education really began. The junior officers were amongst the most gifted and cultivated as one would expect of a regiment which spawned the great movement of war poets inspired by Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves. On leaving the army he took a return working passage to New Zealand which he loved. However, his family suggested he should think about earning some money so he was persuaded to venture into British Aluminium and later Horlicks neither of which suited him. He then decided to go into publishing where he stayed for some time working in a City firm (which used to print the 'breeches' bible). In 1967 he married Gentian and in 1970 began a career in teaching starting in the state sector, moving into the opposite camp at a school in Battersea for the last 13 years or so of his working life, where he was Senior Master. He was an inspiring teacher with a unique sense of humour. He spent 10 years in the London Scottish regiment which Mike almost considered his London Club! His interests were enormous - chess, music, an avid historian particularly the American Civil War. He had a great love of the English language, hence his writings which were numerous - an educational magazine, three educational phased-case books, six plays, a film on Parnell, an edited edition of his mother's amusing and interesting journal (Mabel. On Borrowed Time) which she wrote while living with the family and a book (unfinished) of our favourite Squares of Europe. He also collaborated with Granada TV and Schools radio on history programmes. He is survived by his wife, Gentian, daughter Nicola and son , Tim.