Trevor Davies (History teacher 1962-1988, Hazelwell Housemaster 1971-1985)

The following tribute has been written by Trevor’s son, Steve.

My father was born in Shrewsbury to fully Welsh speaking parents. As children in the war, he and his brother Glynn were evacuated to the family farm in West Wales. Here, wandering the moor at the back of the farm, he formed his lifelong love of the countryside. In times of food shortages and rationing, if the boys shot well, they ate well.

Back in Shrewsbury after the war, his photo albums show a happy family and sport-oriented upbringing. A natural leader, he was a formidable cricketer and rugby player and seemed to captain most of the teams he played in. A shoulder injury whilst Captain of the Welsh Schoolboys finished his rugby.

Head Boy in his final year at Shrewsbury Grammar, Dad then went to Christ’s College, Cambridge to study history. Here on the cricket field, he rubbed shoulders with Ted Dexter, Garfield Sobers and Frank Worrell.

His first teaching job was at Canford School in Dorset (where he played for the county), before arriving in Cheltenham as a history teacher with his new wife and son in 1962.

Two children later, and after a years’ teaching in America, Dad was made Housemaster of Hazelwell in 1971. Fourteen happy years followed in which he was ably backed by the indomitable Maggie Matron, and my mother of course.

He was so proud of this time and the trust, loyalty and friendships he generated with ‘his boys’ lasted all his life. He would scour his daily Telegraph and wait eagerly for the publication of The Cheltonian, looking for news of his boys. The frequent visits from old boys and the wonderful messages from around the world give testimony to his (and Mum’s) legacy.

His love of sport was ingrained and he coached the XI, the XV and ran the OC Cricket for 15 years. On his arrival in Cheltenham, the local clubs – the Gloucestershire Gipsies, Slad Exiles and Free Foresters – all came knocking. He loved scoring runs and continued to umpire well into his 80s.

His love of the countryside never left him and he had lifelong friendships with farmers and conservationists throughout Gloucestershire. He loved his racing and was a member at Cheltenham for over 40 years. His invite to a New Year’s shooting party in Norfolk (by another wonderful old boy) was a highlight for Dad and Mum for over 35 years.

Dad always loved West Wales and he and Mum had the foresight to buy a cottage called Minydon which sits above the beautiful bay of Aberporth. As a family we had, and continue to have, wonderful holidays in this part of Ceredigion. My son once called it, ‘the heartbeat of our family.’

Dad was on fine form right to the end and spent his last evening talking, laughing, celebrating (their 63rd wedding anniversary) and planning.

In all these memories, there was always friendship, loyalty, stories, laughter (Dad’s wonderful laughter), a twinkle in his eye, and love. And as so any of the wonderful messages have said, ‘Always the true gentleman.

Memorial Service Recording

The memorial service for Trevor Davies in College Chapel on Saturday 31 August was livestreamed. The recording is still available to view via this link: www.youtube.com/live/gJQmdA7AtOw