In Memoriam of Andrew Bell

Andrew Bell joined Arnold in September 1972 as a highly-qualified, outstanding mathematician, who taught up to Further Maths and scholarship level. He introduced and ran the Maths Challenges, travelling up and down the country on various UKMT events, even after retirement. He was also a First Form (Year 7) tutor throughout his career at Arnold, Head of Howarths for several years, unofficial school photographer.

He also made a significant contribution to the co-curricular life at the school: running a badminton for many years; organising mountain club walks; helping with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme; organising ski-trips and running a month-long trip around Europe for Sixth Formers; and last, but not least, he was an enthusiastic member of the staff cricket team.

Kendall Lee, Head of Geography at Arnold and former president of the Common Room recently paid tribute on the Arnold Memories Facebook page, describing Andrew as “a kind a generous man. Passionate about his photography, steam engines and maths and the many children he taught”.

Kendall further recollected, “I had the privilege of spending a few hours in his company a few weeks ago. We walked under a railway bridge and he told me the time the steam train would be passing over!…He helped me in so many ways, often small but significant over the years. He collected used stamps for Tanzania which he auctioned and although small sums made, they added up to hundreds over the years… …A true Mr Chips in the finest tradition, taken before his time and endeared by so many”.

Described by Paul McMahon (former head of Maths) as a “true gentleman, caring, kind, helpful, honest, reliable, sharp of mind, quick witted, highly intelligent”, noting he was a “dedicated husband to Katrina and father to Jennifer and Katherine. He was blessed with a strong Christian faith and knew the value of service in his community. He served for a while as Parish Councillor and worked tirelessly to serve his church and village community. He also found time to indulge in his many hobbies – trains, photography, stamps, birds and, latterly, gardening”. Concluding, “Andrew has left his family and friends with so many happy memories but how we wish he was still with us”.

Many thanks to Kendall Lee and Paul McMahon for sharing their memories of Andrew with us, to David Smyth, and last but not least, to Mary and Ian Winterflood for their help in honouring Andrew’s tremendous commitment to the school and the pupils he taught (including their sons).