Mr Derek Blooman

1935 - 2026
 
When James Hilton wrote Goodbye Mr Chips in 1934, just before Derek was born, he could have been forgiven for not knowing that Derek would emulate Mr Chips and more, in his long tenure and affiliation with Allhallows. It was always difficult to judge what Derek saw as his priorities: his Pupils, the School, Chudleigh House, the Faculty, the OH Club, History or Cricket. In truth, they all were, and his warmth, kindness and professionalism shone on them all equally. 
 
Derek arrived at Allhallows in 1959 via Oundle School and Oxford University, aged 24 when those of us in the sixth form were only 6 years younger than him. He was very shy and initially completely immersed in his beloved subject of history. Those of us in that sixth form were merciless in our treatment of this lovely man, with bets on just how far we could push the envelope ( cooking a meal in one class won the major bet), but then common sense prevailed as we saw just how devoted he was to us boys, his subject and the school.  He was the polar opposite of Jack Jarchow and others in the faculty who were stern, unforgiving and “Old School “in their discipline. 
 
One by one, we all fell under Derek's spell and became history buffs to the extent that years later Derek had adversely diminished our bank balances, thanks to the numerous books we had all bought on historical subjects he had introduced. The rate of A-level passes in his subject soared, as did the number of students wishing to pursue the subject within the school. 
 
As Derek's confidence grew and his shyness dissipated, he broadened his involvement within Allhallows.  His passion for cricket led him to take over the coaching of the second XI, having happy memories of plotting tactics against stronger opponents to keep the runs down and occupy the crease. Those of us who played against him in the OH cricket week, when he played for Seaton, dreaded fielding in the covers when his strong forearms and large wrists cut the ball with huge ferocity. 
 
He became housemaster of Chudleigh and took the role to a new standard of warmth, enthusiasm and encouragement. His boys in the house still wax lyrical about how happy and proud they were under his leadership. 
 
Derek served for 39 years under five headmasters as a master, housemaster and deputy headmaster. 
 
In 1999, Derek became only the fifth Honorary Secretary of the OH Club since its foundation in 1905, and, until retiring in November 2010, he worked tirelessly to keep members in touch with one another and to strengthen the sporting and social activities of the club.  He edited the Aunt Agatha column in the OH Magazine, cajoling us old boys and girls to submit news of what we were doing in life. 
 
With an encyclopaedic knowledge of generations of Old Honitonians, Derek was elected an Honorary Life Vice President of the OH Club and still enjoyed contact with many of his former pupils as well as older and younger OHs. Many of us visited him in retirement when he entered the Pinhay Nursing home and had a room with an identical view to that from his study in Chudleigh House down through the cliffs to the sea. He may have aged, but his mind was as sharp as ever, and his memory quite staggering at times. His 90th birthday lunch was oversubscribed and a testimony to the affection in which the OH’s held him. 
 

We have also opened a digital Book of Remembrance, where Old Honitonians and friends are invited to share their memories and reflections of Derek:

https://forms.gle/cxy7WDbByKX3SeKV9

This photo is from the Derek Bloman archive, taken by a pupil.

We are also able to include a fascinating look at Derek's incredible CV over the years, collated through an interview with OH Alec Crawford (Headmaster's House, 1955, Venning 1956 - 60).

DEREK BLOOMAN - CV

Provided by Derek in December 2004.

Text as per his handwritten text.

Educated: Oundle, where, aged 15, I acquired Type 1 diabetes, which knocked my sporting career about a bit, but I had other interests, History and Art.

Won Open Scholarship to Lincoln College, Oxford, where I read Modern History. 

Taught at Clayesmore for a year, then took PGCE at Leeds University.

1959: Appointed as a very young Senior History Master by V.A.L.Hill, for whom I had the greatest respect. I think that we all did.

1959: Became House Tutor to Leslie Barr in Baker.

Roddy Long, Dudley Hopkins, Colin Pape and Nick Warner were in the House!

1964 – 81: Appointed Housemaster of Chudleigh in succession to Jimmy Bliss, where I again had many happy and demanding days and was lucky to have a wonderful House Matron, Barbara Clark, who ‘mummed the boys.

Guide, Philosopher and Friend, as any Housemaster should be.

Coached 2nd XI cricket for years. Took over from Jack Jarchow, also coached Junior Colts when Ted Sandbach and Malcolm Maculloch were in the XI, and we beat Blundells.

Also coached Junior Colts and Foals Rugger – even played for the Ohs v Old Bloxhamites at Richmond

Also umpired 2^nd XI Hockey and learnt on the job when Bill Preston wasi/c, a game I knew nothing about – strange I am now organising OH Hockey matches.

Helped Peter Spencer organise the Mayflies, who provided holiday cricket for East Devon Public School boys

Edited School magazines, newsletters, and OH Newsletters galore.

1986 – 95: Second Master after Bill Preston and then Hon. Senior Master to 1998,

Although I had taken early retirement with David Christian in 1993 but continued to teach History, English and History of Art part-time.

As Second Master, modernised School Rules, produced the Staff Guidance Manual, and undertook multifarious activities.

1995:Became Chairman of the Friends of Allhallows after Geoffrey Blackburne -Kane when Allhallows College took over. Had wonderful support from the Committee, Parents ans staff, and particularly Dick and Rosemary Sidwell.

1995: Asked by Phil Tuck to become Hon Sec of the OH Club when Allhallows went into receivership. Attended Committee meeting Phiul summoned to keep the OH Club going.

Organised a rescue mission with the help of Rev Robin Spaight OH, Chris Lambert OH, Rev James Trevelyan, Robin Butler OH and his craftsmen and many friends in Honiton of the War Memorial Chapel at Rousdon, which found a new home in St Michael’s, Honiton.

“Like all OHs, it saddens me to think of the demise of Allhallows, but, as Peggy Hewan said to me, ‘For all its faults it served many boys, girls and their parents well’ 

Became Director of Jubilee Appeal with Colonel Dick Sidwell as Treasurer