Students
John Gower
In August 1973 I took part in one of the Summer Schools Eric set up, teaching English to Pakistani children in Halifax. It was here that I got to know Eric, and I remember being struck by the fact he treated us student volunteers as equals. In spare time in the common room I remember him explaining the background to a book I was reading. I recall that he had somehow arranged for us to have exclusive use of a local swimming pool where he joined us as we relaxed after teaching. And after our final evening's get-together, I remember him asking me to accompany him as he drove two local volunteers home to their farm outside of Halifax.
I became a PGCE student in the LTC and benefited greatly from Eric’s advice. That year he organised a Summer School in York for local children who had fallen behind during the academic year. After the school was over, and I was embarking on my teaching career, Eric wrote me a hand-written letter thanking me for my help.
Eric was an inspiration to so many students and I look back to times spent with him teaching, walking or discussing things, with great affection.